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Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have failed to qualify for the 2026 Africa U17 Cup of Nations after a 2-0 defeat to Ghana’s Black Starlets in Yamoussoukro, Footynaija.com reports.
The five-time world champions, once the benchmark of youth football, will miss back-to-back editions of the tournament for only the second time in history.
An early chance could have put Nigeria ahead, but the Eaglets wasted a gift from Ghana’s defence. Their profligacy was punished in the 21st minute when Michael Awuli finished off a counterattack to put Ghana in front. Ten minutes later, Robinho Yao Gavi doubled the advantage with a composed strike following a slick move.
Nigeria’s hopes of a comeback were further dented when they struck the crossbar. Ghana nearly added a third before halftime, with captain Joseph Narbi firing wide after a solo run.
The Eaglets improved defensively in the second half but lacked penetration in attack, leaving them chasing shadows as Ghana managed the game comfortably.
This setback follows last year’s disappointment in WAFU B qualifiers, where Nigeria lost to Ivory Coast in the semifinals before beating Ghana 3-2 for third place — a result not enough to earn AFCON qualification.
The Eaglets will now contest the third-place playoff against Burkina Faso, who lost 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast.
