Golden Eaglets coach apologizes after WAFU B exit ends AFCON U-17 hopes
Golden Eaglets head coach Eboboritse Uwejamomere apologized for his team's early exit from the 2026 WAFU B U-17 Championship, confirming Nigeria missed qualification for the 2027 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations. The team finished bottom of Group B with just one point from two games—losing 2-1 to Niger Republic then drawing 1-1 with Côte d'Ivoire earlier today.
This marks the second consecutive tournament Nigeria has failed to qualify for the AFCON U-17, continuing a worrying trend in youth football development. Fans expressed disappointment online, expecting better from a team that traditionally performs well at this level, raising questions about preparation and player selection processes.
The coach acknowledged the shared disappointment, telling media 'the only thing I can say to them is to forgive us' as he and his players feel the same frustration. With youth tournaments serving as crucial stepping stones to senior national team success, what changes should Nigerian football authorities implement to prevent recurring qualification failures at the U-17 level?