Golden Eaglets must beat Cote d’Ivoire to keep WAFU B hopes alive

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets face a must-win match against Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday after opening their 2026 WAFU B U-17 Championship campaign with a 2-1 defeat by Niger Republic.

Head coach Eboboritse Uwejamomere says his players are ready to respond to that setback and remain confident of securing the result they need in their second fixture.

Cote d’Ivoire drew with Niger Republic in their opening match and go into the contest with one point. Nigeria, meanwhile, have no points, leaving them with little margin for error in the group.

“We had a setback in the game against Niger Republic, but we are in great spirit to overcome it as we play Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday,” Uwejamomere told thenff.com.

The coach admitted the importance of the match had created some pressure, but said his technical staff had analysed Cote d’Ivoire in detail and assessed both their strengths and weaknesses.

“It is a dicey situation. We are calm and reminding the players of how we want to play,” he said.

“We have analysed Cote d’Ivoire, how they play, their strengths and weaknesses.”

Uwejamomere said the priority was to ensure the players remained composed and trusted their ability to deliver in a game Nigeria must win to maintain their hopes in the competition.

“There is just a little bit of pressure because it is a must-win game for Nigeria,” he added.

“So, we have to keep the players composed and believing in themselves, knowing that we can get the result we need.”

The Golden Eaglets coach acknowledged the quality of the Ivorians but called on his side to match their opponents’ competitive approach and demonstrate their desire to claim victory.

“The Ivorians are a very good side. They can fight, but we also have to fight and show them how much we want the victory,” he said.

Uwejamomere insisted Nigeria had identified the approach required to overcome Cote d’Ivoire and expressed confidence ahead of the decisive encounter.

“We know what we have to do to beat them. I’m confident,” he concluded.