AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s U-17 national team, the Golden Eaglets, began their campaign at the China International Youth Football Tournament with a 3-2 defeat to Tanzania on Sunday.
The encounter marked the first game in charge for new head coach Uwejamomere Eboboritse, who took over the team in May.
Tanzania made a bright start and raced into a two-goal lead before halftime through goals from Issa Chole and Hamisi Chenga.
The Golden Eaglets responded early in the second half to reduce the deficit, but the Serengeti Boys restored their two-goal advantage just minutes later. Nigeria mounted a late comeback with another goal, but they were unable to find an equaliser as Tanzania held on for a 3-2 victory.
The result leaves Nigeria searching for their first points in the four-nation tournament, with Australia next on the schedule on Wednesday before a final fixture against hosts China.
Despite the disappointing start, the tournament serves as an important part of the team’s preparations under Eboboritse ahead of the WAFU U-17 Championship in September.
The China tournament is the Golden Eaglets’ first competitive outing since the former Sporting Lagos Academy coach assumed responsibility for the team. The squad is also expected to remain in camp after the competition, giving the coaching crew additional time to improve the team’s tactical organisation and address the defensive lapses exposed in the opening defeat.
Nigeria will hope to bounce back against Australia and build momentum as preparations continue for the regional qualifiers later this year.
