The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria have suffered another major setback on the international stage after crashing out of the WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship with a 2-0 defeat to Ghana in the semi-final.
The result not only ends their hopes of lifting the regional trophy but also rules the Golden Eaglets out of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
This latest failure adds to a worrying trend in Nigeria’s youth football.
The five-time FIFA U-17 World Cup winners, regarded as the most successful team in the competition’s history, will now miss back-to-back appearances at the U-17 World Cup.
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The Golden Eaglets failed to qualify for the 2023 U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, and this exit deepens concerns about the country’s talent development structure.
Much of the criticism has been directed at head coach Manu Garba, who has now overseen two unsuccessful qualification campaigns.
Also read: NFF Unveils Manu Garba, Moses Aduku as New Coaches for Golden Eaglets and Falconets
Despite his past record of success with Nigeria’s youth teams, Garba is under increasing scrutiny, with many fans and analysts calling for change at the top.
Manu Garba. (Photo by Martin Rose – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Critics argue that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has failed to act decisively, keeping in charge a coach who has not delivered results.
With Nigeria missing consecutive global youth tournaments, questions are being raised about the long-term impact on player development and the future pipeline of talent for the senior national team.
The pressure on both Manu Garba and the NFF is growing, as expectations continue to outweigh performances.
