Golden Eaglets soar into WAFU B U-17 semi-finals after emphatic win over Benin
The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria have secured their spot in the semi-finals of the 2025 WAFU B U-17 Championship after a commanding 4-1 victory over Benin Republic.
Man of the Match, George Agha, was the star of the show, netting a sensational hat-trick to fire Nigeria to victory. David Edeh added another for the Eaglets, while Jeremy Zannou grabbed Benin’s only goal in an otherwise one-sided contest.
With just three teams in Group B, Benin are now eliminated, having also lost their opener to Burkina Faso. Nigeria and Burkina Faso are level on three points, but the Eaglets top the group thanks to a superior goal difference. A draw in Saturday’s decisive clash will be enough for Nigeria to finish as group leaders.
Opinion:
The Eaglets’ performance against Benin is more than just a victory — it is a reminder of Nigeria’s rich tradition in youth football. Time and again, this team has proven to be a cradle of talent, producing stars who later conquer the world stage. Agha’s hat-trick will certainly have scouts and fans buzzing, but beyond the individual brilliance lies a team with confidence, hunger, and flair.
That said, the real test will come against Burkina Faso, a side that has grown into a strong rival for Nigeria at youth level in recent years. To finish top of the group, the Eaglets will need to maintain their attacking rhythm while tightening up defensively.
Still, with this kind of momentum and talent, Nigeria’s youngsters look well on course to not only dominate the region but also remind Africa why the Golden Eaglets remain the most successful U-17 team in history.
