Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets scored in the 80th minute, but it wasn’t enough to keep their WAFU B U17 campaign alive.
After losing their opening match 2-1 to Niger Republic, the Eaglets could only manage a 1-1 draw against Ivory Coast. As a result, Nigeria has been eliminated from the tournament, while Niger and Ivory Coast progress to the semi-finals.
The elimination means Nigeria would have missed three consecutive AFCON U-17 tournaents and four (4) consecutive FIFA U17 World Cups.
It was a match in which the Eaglets were condemned to win if they are to progress while the baby Elephants needed just a draw to go through.
Nigeria finished bottom of Group B with a point from two matches.
Cote d’Ivoire finished second with two points, while Niger won the group with four points.
The disappointment adds to a difficult period for the five-time FIFA U-17 World Cup champions, who have struggled to maintain consistent qualification for major youth tournaments.
Golden Eaglets
On Tuesday, Ghana will face Cote d’Ivoire, while Burkina Faso will square up with Niger for places in the championship game.
