Golden Eaglets Drawn Against Burkina Faso, Benin in 2025 WAFU B U-17 Championship

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria have been placed in Group B of the 2025 WAFU B U-17 Championship, where they will battle Burkina Faso and Benin Republic for a spot in the next round.

The draw for the annual regional tournament was conducted on Thursday in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire.

Meanwhile, hosts Côte d’Ivoire, alongside Niger Republic, Togo, and Ghana, were drawn in Group A.

The tournament is scheduled to run from September 20 to October 3, 2025, and will serve as the qualifying event for the 2025 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations (AFCON).

It is a crucial outing for the Golden Eaglets, who failed to qualify for the last edition of the U-17 AFCON — a disappointment that Nigerian football fans have not forgotten.

Opinion: Time for the Golden Eaglets to Restore Pride

The Golden Eaglets are not just another youth team; they are a symbol of Nigeria’s footballing heritage. With five FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, Nigeria has earned the reputation of being a breeding ground for some of the brightest young talents in global football.

But in recent years, the shine has dulled. Failing to qualify for the last AFCON was not just a setback — it was a wake-up call. The draw against Burkina Faso and Benin looks favorable on paper, but football has taught us that there are no “easy groups” anymore. Both sides have improved significantly at youth level and will be eager to deny Nigeria a ticket.

For the Eaglets, this is more than a tournament. It is a chance to prove that Nigerian football’s production line of talent is still alive, to inspire hope for the future, and to reassure fans that the glory days can return.

If they approach this tournament with discipline, hunger, and creativity, the Golden Eaglets can not only qualify for the AFCON but also remind Africa why Nigeria is still the home of footballing prodigies.