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Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets suffered a disappointing start to their 2026 WAFU B U-17 Championship campaign after losing 2-1 to Niger Republic in their opening Group B match in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on Wednesday.
The five-time world champions created an early opportunity in the 15th minute when Lawrence Abuchi’s effort was deflected out of danger as Nigeria looked to establish control.
Niger, however, took the lead in the 20th minute when Abdoul Razaq Zada found the breakthrough to put his team ahead and leave the Golden Eaglets trailing at the interval.
Nigeria attempted to respond before the break, with Columbus Igboenyobe testing the Nigerien goalkeeper in the 31st minute.
His effort went straight into the goalkeeper’s hands as Niger maintained their advantage.
Head coach Eboboritse Uwejamomere made a change at the start of the second half, bringing on Faruq Azeez for Abuchi Lawrence as the Eaglets searched for an equaliser.
Niger eventually doubled their advantage in the 87th minute, putting Nigeria in a difficult position with only a few minutes remaining.
The Golden Eaglets refused to give up and were rewarded deep into stoppage time.
