Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have suffered a setback in their quest to reach the semi-finals of the WAFU-B U17 Boys’ Championship after losing 2-1 to Niger Republic in their Group B encounter in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on Wednesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The match, played at the Stade du 4-Août, saw Niger take a first-half lead before both teams found the net after the break, with the West African side holding on to claim all three points.
The victory strengthened Niger’s position in the group and secured their place in the semi-finals, leaving Nigeria under pressure ahead of their final fixture.
The Golden Eaglets must now defeat Côte d’Ivoire in their last Group B match on October 17 to keep their qualification hopes alive. Anything less could end their campaign early.
Nigeria, five-time FIFA U17 World Cup champions, will need a strong response against the Ivorians after failing to collect any points from their opening matches.
Côte d’Ivoire drew 1-1 with Niger on Sunday, October 11, setting up a decisive final round.
The latest result leaves Niger on four points, while Côte d’Ivoire have one point and Nigeria remain without a point, according to the standings provided.
The Golden Eaglets must now deliver a much-improved performance against Côte d’Ivoire, knowing that victory is essential to their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage.
Niger, meanwhile, can turn their attention to the semi-finals after securing a crucial win against one of the most successful teams in youth football.