Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets suffered a 2-1 defeat to Niger Republic in their opening Group B fixture of the 2026 WAFU B U-17 Championship in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, Trybal News reports.
The five-time world champions struggled to convert their opportunities as Niger secured all three points with goals from Abdoul Razaq Zada and a late second-half strike, leaving Nigeria with work to do ahead of their next fixture.
Niger took the lead in the 20th minute through Zada after Nigeria had threatened early, with Lawrence Abuchi seeing his effort deflected behind in the 15th minute.
The Golden Eaglets sought an equaliser before half-time, but Columbus Igboenyobe’s effort in the 31st minute went straight into the goalkeeper’s hands as Niger maintained their advantage at the break.
Head coach Eboboritse Uwejamomere introduced Faruq Azeez for Abuchi at the start of the second half as Nigeria stepped up their search for a way back into the contest.
However, Niger doubled their lead in the 87th minute, leaving the Eaglets facing a difficult task in the closing stages.
Nigeria showed late determination, with Fasiu Mubarak pulling a goal back in the fifth minute of stoppage time. The late strike proved insufficient to prevent defeat, as Niger held on for a 2-1 victory.
The result leaves Nigeria needing a response in their next Group B encounter against Côte d’Ivoire on Friday, October 16, as the Golden Eaglets look to secure their first points of the tournament.
