Nigeria’s famed Golden Eaglets, five-time U17 world champions, are ready to launch another title chase as they face the Baby Cheetahs of Benin Republic in their opening match of the WAFU-B U17 Championship on Wednesday.

The clash takes place at the Stade du Lycée Scientifique in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, and marks the first step on the road to two major tournaments: the 2026 Africa U17 Cup of Nations and ultimately the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.

Group Battles Already Heating Up

The competition began over the weekend with action across both groups:

Group A: Host nation Côte d’Ivoire beat Niger Republic 2–0, while Ghana and Togo fought to a 1–1 draw.

Group B: Burkina Faso’s Baby Stallions edged Benin 1–0 in a tense opener. Nigeria joins Group B, setting up Wednesday’s Nigeria–Benin showdown as a must-watch contest.

With pedigree and history on their side, the Golden Eaglets carry the hopes of a nation eager to see them qualify for next year’s continental showpiece and the global finals that follow. All eyes will be on Yamoussoukro as the young Nigerians look to begin their campaign with a statement win.