News

Manu Garba’s Golden Eaglets begin World Cup journey in Ghana: Kickoff, venue, and team news

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria start their quest for the Qatar 2025 World Cup by facing Burkina Faso at the WAFU B tournament in Ghana, Soccernet.ng reports.

Previously, the Ugbade Nduka-led U-17 side underperformed at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, exiting at the quarterfinals and missing out on the 2023 World Cup in Indonesia.

However, with the appointment of Manu Garba, who led the U-17 team to World Cup victory in 2013, Nigerian football fans are hopeful for a successful campaign.

Today, the Golden Eaglets kick off their journey in Ghana, competing against Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, and Togo in the group stage. This championship serves as a qualifier for next year’s Africa U17 Cup of Nations.

Kickoff Details

The Eaglets begin their title defense against Burkina Faso at the University Stadium on Thursday, 16th May, with kickoff set for 3pm Ghana time (4pm Nigeria time).

They will then face Niger Republic on Sunday, 19th May (6pm Ghana, 7pm Nigeria) and Togo on Wednesday, 22nd May (4pm Ghana, 5pm Nigeria).

Officials for Nigeria vs Burkina Faso Match

Ghanaian official Adaari Abdul Latif will referee Thursday’s WAFU B U17 Championship Group B opener between five-time world champions Nigeria and Burkina Faso at the Accra University Stadium.

He will be assisted by compatriot Emmanuel Dolagbanu (Assistant Referee 1), Nigeriens Sakina Hamidou (Assistant Referee 2), and Brahamou Sadou Ali (Fourth Official). The match will kick off at 3pm Ghana time (4pm Nigeria time). Togo’s Latre-Kayi Edzona Lawson-Hogban will be the commissioner, and Ivorian Songuifolo Yeo will serve as the referee assessor.

Team News

The Confederation of African Football has confirmed that the 20 players selected by Garba have passed their MRI examinations and are ready to participate in the WAFU B tournament.

Nigerian coach Manu Garba has stated that his team is preparing diligently for the tournament and will approach each game step-by-step.

“We are happy about the results. Having the whole squad to prosecute the tournament somewhat puts our minds at rest.

“The players have been responding to training. The weather is similar to what we experienced in Abuja before our departure. Our primary objective is to get one of the two tickets from here to the Africa U17 Cup of Nations. We will focus on the matches one at a time. For now, we are focused on our opening game against Burkina Faso on Thursday.” he told NFF.com

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

Share
Published by
Ayomide Oguntimehin

Recent Posts

“He can still play this year” – Boniface’s boss Alonso offers hope amid speculation of year-ending injury

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has provided an update on Nigerian striker Victor Boniface’s injury,… Read More

50 minutes ago

“He needs to decide” – Former Liverpool winger weighs in Osimhen’s future at Galatasaray

Former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel has called on Super Eagles attacker, Victor Osimhen, to make… Read More

2 hours ago

Bright Osayi-Samuel free to negotiate January pre-contract amid Fenerbahçe uncertainty

Super Eagles defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel, could negotiate a pre-contract with any club of his choice… Read More

5 hours ago

Deliver results to avoid criticism – Ex-Nigeria International to Eguavoen

Former Super Eagles and Enyimba International midfielder, Duke Udi, has sent a message to Augustine… Read More

6 hours ago

Report: Juventus eye Super Eagles striker as possible Vlahovic replacement

Former Italian Serie A champions Juventus could sign Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen if Dusan… Read More

6 hours ago

“European football is different from Africa” – Former Super Eagles midfielder urges Eguavoen to axe poor-performing players from national team

Former Super Eagles and Enyimba International midfielder, Duke Udi, has prompted Interim Super Eagles coach,… Read More

7 hours ago