Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets sealed their place in the semifinals of the WAFU B U17 Championship after a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Burkina Faso on Saturday in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, Soccernet.ng reports.
The result, played out at the Stade du Lycée Scientifique, ensured the former champions finished top of Group B on goal difference, edging Burkina Faso despite both sides ending the group stage with four points apiece.
The Eaglets entered the contest on the back of an emphatic 4-1 win over Benin Republic in their opening fixture.
Burkina Faso had also beaten Benin, though by a slimmer 1-0 margin, setting up Saturday’s clash as the decider for group leadership.
From the outset, Nigeria dominated possession and dictated the pace of the game, pressing high and attempting to pin the Burkinabe in their own half. Despite several half-chances created, Manu Garba’s boys were unable to convert, with the Burkinabe defence standing firm and their goalkeeper producing timely interventions.
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Burkina Faso looked dangerous on the counter and forced the Nigerian backline into moments of urgency, but they too lacked the clinical edge needed to break the deadlock.
When the final whistle blew, it was a case of frustration for Nigeria, who had been on top for long spells, but satisfaction in terms of progression. Their superior goal difference, courtesy of the four goals scored against Benin, was enough to confirm them as Group B winners.
Elsewhere in Group A, hosts Côte d’Ivoire proved unstoppable, winning all three of their games against Niger, Togo, and Ghana to finish with nine points. Ghana clinched the runners-up spot after a decisive 3-1 victory over Niger on the last matchday.
The semifinals are now set: Nigeria will meet Ghana in a fierce West African derby, while Côte d’Ivoire face Burkina Faso.
Only the winner of the WAFU B U17 Championship will earn a place at the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament Nigeria failed to reach last time after falling short at this very stage.
Head coach Manu Garba will be keen to avoid a repeat of that disappointment and will demand sharper finishing from his forwards if the Golden Eaglets are to advance to the final and secure their ticket to continental competition.
