Four Golden Eaglets Shine in WAFU B U-17 Best XI as Nigeria Set Up Ghana Semi-Final Showdown

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets continue to make their mark at the WAFU B U-17 Championship, with four of their players earning spots in the Group Stage Best XI, TalkTalk Nigeria reports.

The quartet includes forward George Agba, captain David Edeh, midfielder Thompson Boluwatife, and defender Godwin Menyaga—a testament to the team’s collective strength and individual brilliance.

Manu Garba’s boys finished top of Group B after a commanding 4-1 win over Benin Republic and a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Burkina Faso. Their reward is a mouthwatering semi-final clash against eternal rivals, the Black Satellites of Ghana, tonight in Yamoussoukro.

Importantly, the stakes couldn’t be higher—the winner not only books a place in the final but also secures qualification for the 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.

Opinion: Young Stars, Old Rivalries

The Golden Eaglets’ dominance at youth level has always been a source of pride for Nigerian football, and seeing four players in the Best XI reinforces that tradition. What stands out is the balance: a forward, a captain, a midfielder, and a defender—proof that this team is not relying on one star but performing as a complete unit.

Yet, the clash with Ghana is more than just a semi-final. Nigeria versus Ghana is one of Africa’s oldest and fiercest rivalries, and even at U-17 level, the intensity never wanes. These matches often produce not just drama but also the future stars of African football.

If the Golden Eaglets can overcome the Black Satellites, it will not only seal qualification for the AFCON but also serve as a statement that Nigeria’s youth pipeline remains strong. For a country that has built a reputation on youth success, this semi-final is about more than a trophy—it’s about legacy, pride, and the promise of the next generation.