Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets will launch their campaign at the WAFU-B U17 Championship on Wednesday, September 24, with a clash against Benin Republic in Yamoussoukro, Footynaija.com reports.
The encounter takes place at the Stade du Lycee Scientifique, where the five-time world champions begin the hunt for yet another crown at youth level.
The WAFU-B U17 tournament serves as the regional qualifying series for the 2025 Africa U17 Cup of Nations, itself the gateway to the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.
Only the best from West Africa will progress, placing huge importance on every group-stage fixture.
Nigeria are drawn in Group B alongside Benin and Burkina Faso, a tricky three-team pool that leaves little margin for error. The Golden Eaglets have history on their side but must be wary, with Burkina Faso edging Benin 1-0 in Sunday’s opener to take an early advantage.
Elsewhere in Group A, hosts Côte d’Ivoire made a bright start by beating Niger Republic 2-0, while Ghana and Togo shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
For Nigeria, victory against the Baby Cheetahs would set the tone for a decisive showdown with Burkina Faso later in the group. With qualification to the continental stage at stake, the Golden Eaglets know there can be no slow start in Yamoussoukro.
The match between Nigeria and Benin kicks off at 3pm in Yamoussoukro (4pm Nigerian time) on Wednesday, September 24th.