Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets miss 2027 U-17 AFCON after draw with Cote d’Ivoire

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have been eliminated from the 2026 WAFU-B U-17 Championship after drawing 1-1 with hosts Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday.

The result ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations and dealt another setback to the country’s youth football programme.

Cote d’Ivoire took the lead in the 17th minute of the Group B match when Alex Bamba scored for the hosts.

Nigeria had made the more purposeful start and nearly went ahead in the ninth minute, but Godswill Usoro’s effort narrowly missed the target.

The Eaglets continued to apply pressure but were unable to make it count. Mubarak Fasiu then missed a clear opportunity to equalise in the 38th minute, leaving Nigeria 1-0 down at half-time.

Nigeria resumed the search for a way back into the match after the break and eventually levelled five minutes from time. Columbus scored in the 85th minute to make it 1-1 and raise hopes of a late turnaround.

Abiodun John was presented with a chance to complete the comeback in the 89th minute, but he could not convert it as Nigeria failed to take advantage of their late pressure.

The draw was insufficient to keep the Eaglets’ qualification hopes alive, confirming their elimination from the competition.

Nigeria’s failure to progress means they will not feature at the 2027 U-17 AFCON. As the continental tournament provides the qualifying route for the 2027 FIFA U-17 World Cup, they will also miss that tournament.

The outcome extends a difficult period for Nigeria’s youth sides. The country are five-time FIFA U-17 World Cup champions but have struggled to secure consistent qualification for major youth competitions.