Nigeria to Host 2025 WAFU B U-17 Championship as Golden Eaglets
Nigeria has officially been named the host country for the 2025 WAFU B U-17 Championship, a regional tournament that serves both as a prestigious youth football competition and a qualification pathway to the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. This announcement brings renewed optimism for Nigeria’s football faithful, especially as the national U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, prepare to redeem their status as one of Africa’s most successful youth sides.
The decision was made by the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B, comprising football federations from West Africa, including countries such as Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo, Niger, and Benin Republic. Nigeria’s bid to host the 2025 edition came following their intent to reposition themselves at the top of youth football in Africa after recent mixed results at youth levels.
The Golden Eaglets, five-time FIFA U-17 World Cup champions and two-time African U-17 champions, have historically been a powerhouse in youth football. However, recent performances have fallen short of expectations. At the 2024 WAFU B U-17 Championship hosted in Ghana, the Eaglets were eliminated at the group stage, failing to qualify for the 2025 CAF U-17 AFCON.
The early exit was met with disappointment from fans, stakeholders, and Nigerian football authorities. Many described the performance as uncharacteristic and called for a comprehensive review of the team’s preparation, scouting, and technical direction. Hosting the next edition now offers Nigeria an opportunity to bounce back on home soil and reignite the dominance that once made the Golden Eaglets a feared side worldwide.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) sees this hosting opportunity as both a responsibility and a strategic advantage. According to sources within the federation, the decision to bid was influenced by the desire to provide the young talents a home advantage and rally national support behind the team.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau noted that hosting the tournament aligns with the federation’s long-term plan to rebuild Nigeria’s youth football structure. “We believe Nigeria has what it takes not just to host a successful tournament, but to also use this as a platform to rediscover the winning mentality of our youth teams. The Golden Eaglets will be fully prepared and supported,” Gusau stated in a recent media interaction.
Nigeria boasts several stadiums and training facilities capable of hosting an international youth competition. Likely venues for the 2025 WAFU B U-17 Championship include the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, and the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba. These facilities meet FIFA and CAF standards and are expected to provide a suitable environment for top-level competition.
Local organizing committees are expected to be inaugurated soon, with responsibilities ranging from logistics, team accommodation, security, media coverage, and medical facilities. The tournament is also expected to provide an economic boost to the host cities, with an influx of fans, officials, and sponsors expected during the championship.
The current technical team of the Golden Eaglets, led by coach Manu Garba, has been tasked with identifying and grooming a new generation of players ahead of the tournament. The team is expected to conduct open screening exercises across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria to scout for raw talents, a method that has historically unearthed football gems in the past.
The NFF is also considering partnerships with foreign-based Nigerian academies and diaspora scouts to broaden the talent pool. With about a year to go before the kickoff of the tournament, preparations are expected to be rigorous and continuous, with multiple training camps, friendly matches, and exposure tours planned.
The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Sports Development, has pledged full support to the NFF in organizing a successful tournament. Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, emphasized that the WAFU tournament is not just about football but about national pride. “The Golden Eaglets represent the future of Nigerian football. This tournament is a great opportunity to give them a strong foundation and to show the rest of Africa that Nigeria is still the home of young football talent.”
Private sector stakeholders and sports marketing agencies have also been encouraged to partner with the federation in sponsorship and promotional efforts. It is expected that brands with a stake in sports development will align themselves with the tournament as a means of community engagement and CSR fulfillment.
As Nigeria gears up to host the 2025 WAFU B U-17 Championship, all eyes will be on the Golden Eaglets to deliver a performance worthy of their legacy. The tournament promises not only to be a celebration of youth football but also a litmus test for the effectiveness of Nigeria’s football development strategy. With proper planning, broad support, and quality preparation, the country could reclaim its lost glory and restore belief in its future football stars.