Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets Wait on CAF Decision for 2025 U-17 AFCON

Nigeria’s U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, face an uncertain future regarding the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). While their 1-0 semi-final defeat to Ivory Coast in the WAFU B qualifiers ended their hopes of automatic qualification, a potential expansion of the tournament offers a lifeline.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has yet to determine the number of teams qualifying from each zone.

Traditionally, only two teams progressed from each region, but speculation suggests this could increase due to FIFA’s expansion of the U-17 World Cup to 32 teams.

Golden Eaglets media officer, Francis Achi, remains optimistic.

He hints at the possibility of three teams qualifying from WAFU Zone B, with CAF expected to confirm the details soon.

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Meanwhile, Coach Manu Garba remains focused, rallying his team for the third-place match against Ghana.

Former U-17 World Cup winner, Festus Odini, however, criticizes the team’s preparation.

He believes a lack of training time and proper age-grading procedures contributed to their setback.

With CAF set to announce decisions on U-17 AFCON slots, the WAFCON schedule, and the 2025 AFCON, the Golden Eaglets await their fate and a potential shot at redemption.