Golden Eaglets coach Manu Garba has confirmed his final 20-man squad for the WAFU-B U17 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Golden Eaglets, five-time world champions, depart on Wednesday with three goalkeepers, six defenders, five midfielders and six forwards making the trip.
Garba’s side have looked sharp in preparation, winning 10 of 13 friendlies, drawing two and losing just once. They scored 25 goals and conceded only five, rounding off camp with a goalless draw against Mop Stars FC.
Nigeria will begin their Group B campaign against Benin Republic on 24 September before facing Burkina Faso. All matches will take place in Yamoussoukro at the Stade du Lycée Scientifique.
Hosts Côte d’Ivoire lead Group A alongside Niger, Ghana and Togo. The tournament had been set for Nigeria but delays in Ikenne forced a switch in venue.
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Nigeria missed out on the last two U17 World Cups and the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations, adding pressure on Garba’s squad to restore the country’s dominance at youth level.
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WAFU-B isn’t just a regional competition, it’s the qualifying route to the U17 AFCON, and the AFCON itself is the gateway to the FIFA U17 World Cup.
Nigeria’s 20-man squad for WAFU-B U17 Championship
Goalkeepers: Aquila Ahur (Mailantarki FC), Great Edafe (Beyond Limits), Paul Awelewa (Morak FC)
Defenders: Abdullateef Lasisi (La Planet), Mubarak Rasheed (RFO FC), Sadiq Salihu (Niger Tornadoes), Godwin Menyaga (Adoration FC), Abdulsamad Salisu (Central FC), Emmanuel Asika (Mailantarki FC)
Midfielders: Paul Ugwu (RBM FC), Famous Umole (Derby FC), David Edeh (Adoration FC), Umar Yahaya (Footwork FC), Ahmed Yusuf (One-Touch FC)
Forwards: Wisdom Innocent (Wonderland FC), George Agha (Unique & Fine FC), Boluwatife Thompson (Breeders FC), Emeka Nnalue (Collins FC), Salim Umar (Dante FC), Auwal Muhammad (36 Lions)
