Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets stand to benefit from the Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s decision to expand the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as reported by Sportblog247.com.

CAF is anticipated to announce the expansion to 24 participating teams during a virtual Executive Committee meeting on Friday, June 21, 2024. This move aligns with FIFA’s decision to increase the number of World Cup teams to 48, thereby granting Africa 10 representatives at the global event.

Presently, the U-17 AFCON features 12 teams, with qualification based on regional zones. Each zone, including WAFU Zone B where Nigeria competes, currently sends two teams. With the proposed expansion, each zone will be able to send four teams. This development is promising for Nigeria, who finished third in this year’s WAFU Zone B championship.

Burkina Faso won the tournament in Accra, defeating Ivory Coast in the final, while Nigeria secured third place by beating Ghana 2-1. Previously, only the top two teams from each zone would qualify for the U-17 AFCON. If the expansion is confirmed, the top four teams from each zone, including Nigeria, will qualify for next year’s U-17 AFCON in Algeria, enhancing Nigeria’s chances of competing for a spot in the World Cup in Qatar.

Nigeria has a remarkable record in U-17 football, having won the FIFA U-17 World Cup five times and finishing as runners-up three times. They are also two-time U-17 AFCON champions, with their last victory in 2007.

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