Nigeria U-17s Launch WAFU B Quest With Clash Against Benin Today

Nigeria’s U-17 side, the Golden Eaglets, will kick off their campaign at the WAFU B regional tournament in Ivory Coast with a clash against Benin Republic’s Baby Cheetahs on Wednesday at the Stade du Lycée Scientifique, Yamoussoukro, Sport360NG reports.

While Nigeria will be aiming to open with maximum points, Benin are desperate to bounce back after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Burkina Faso’s Baby Stallions in their opening fixture.

Head coach Manu Garba, back for a third stint with the Eaglets, is tasked with steering the team to qualification for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. The experienced tactician previously led Nigeria to U-17 World Cup success in 2013 and guided the U-20s to continental glory two years later. His reappointment was confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation following recommendations from its technical arm.

Nigeria are competing in Group B, which comprises only three teams, Burkina Faso, Benin Republic, and the Eaglets. Group A features hosts Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, and Niger Republic. The Ivorians began strongly with a 2-0 win over Niger, while Ghana and Togo shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw as the tournament kicked off last weekend.

The 2025 WAFU-B championship doubles as qualifiers for next year’s U-17 AFCON, from which Africa’s representatives will emerge for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.