Olopade sets Golden Eaglets World Cup target at WAFU B Championship

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have been told to win the 2026 WAFU B U-17 Championship and begin the process of ending the country’s long absence from the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

National Sports Commission Director General Bukola Olopade delivered the challenge during a morale-boosting visit to the team’s training camp at the FIFA Goal Project pitch in Abuja on Monday.

The Golden Eaglets, coached by Eboboritse Uwejamomere, are due to leave for Burkina Faso on Tuesday for the tournament, which will be held in Ouagadougou from October 10 to 23 2026.

Nigeria last appeared at the FIFA U-17 World Cup at the 2019 tournament in Brazil. They topped Group B after beating two of Ecuador, Australia and Hungary, although they also suffered one defeat.

Their campaign ended in the last 16, where they were beaten 3–1 by the Netherlands.

Olopade urged the players to accept the responsibility of representing Nigeria and make the WAFU B title their first objective on the route to the U-17 AFCON and, ultimately, the World Cup.

“We have not qualified for the World Cup for a long time now, and the country is looking up to you to end that drought. You are Nigerians, and Nigerians are fighters. We no dey carry last. Go to Burkina Faso, win the WAFU B tournament, qualify for the AFCON and then secure our place at the World Cup,” Olopade said.

He told the squad that their qualification campaign could mark the start of a fresh era for one of Nigeria’s most successful national teams.

“We are dreaming of winning the World Cup, and that dream starts with you. You have the talent, you have the opportunity and you have the support of the entire country. Nigeria is a grateful and generous nation, and when you achieve this, we will show you just how much your country appreciates you.”

Olopade also called on the players to maintain discipline, concentration and unity throughout the competition, saying their displays would carry the hopes of millions of Nigerians.

Nigeria have won the FIFA U-17 World Cup a record five times, lifting the trophy in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015. Their titles in 2013 and 2015 made them the first nation to reach five championships in the tournament.

That record has also helped launch the international careers of several prominent Nigerian players, including Nwankwo Kanu, Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Osimhen. Each emerged from the country’s U-17 ranks before making a significant impact at senior level.