The Golden Eaglets got their WAFU-B U17 Championship campaign off to a flying start on Wednesday evening, dismantling the Baby Cheetahs of Benin Republic 4–1 in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire. It was a performance full of intent, flair, and hunger from Nigeria’s U17 team, as they laid down an early marker in Group B.
Leading the charge was George Agha, who netted a memorable hat-trick, while David Edeh scored a beautiful free-kick that stunned fans and left the Beninoise defence reeling. For a team coached by Manu Garba, it was exactly the kind of start expected from a side with Nigeria’s pedigree at this level.
It didn’t take long for the fireworks to begin. Barely three minutes into the contest, Boluwatife Thompson was hacked down in the penalty area, and Agha calmly stepped up to convert from the spot. The early breakthrough energised the Eaglets, and just two minutes later, David Edeh made it 2–0 with a moment of magic. His curling free-kick left the Benin goalkeeper stranded and gave the Nigerian bench reason to celebrate.
By the 14th minute, Agha was on the scoresheet again. The Nigerian forwards applied relentless pressure, forcing errors and slicing through Benin’s backline with ease. A slick passing move culminated in Agha slotting home his second of the day, as Nigeria raced into a commanding 3–0 lead.
It only got better. In the 32nd minute, Thompson and Edeh combined brilliantly to tear apart the Benin defence. Their one-two movement unlocked space, and Agha was perfectly positioned to complete his hat-trick with a composed finish. The Baby Cheetahs’ goalkeeper, Warris Soumanou, was caught flat-footed, compounding a miserable first half for Benin.
Just before the halftime whistle, the Beninoise found a glimmer of hope through Jeremy Zannou. His low drive from outside the box beat Nigeria’s goalkeeper to give Benin their only goal of the night. But it was little more than consolation, as Nigeria went into the break with a comfortable 4–1 lead.
The second half was quieter in terms of goals, but the Golden Eaglets maintained control of the game. They managed the tempo, protected their lead, and gave minutes to other squad members as the match wore on.
From a Nigerian perspective, this was more than just a good win. It was a statement. The Eaglets didn’t just collect three points. They announced themselves as serious contenders for the WAFU-B crown. The sharpness in attack, the confidence in midfield, and the hunger in front of goal showed that this team has quality and depth.
With this result, Nigeria go top of Group B and are well positioned to qualify for the semi-finals. Their next assignment is against the Baby Stallions of Burkina Faso, a match that could decide who finishes first in the group. A point would be enough for the Golden Eaglets to advance as group leaders.
For Coach Manu Garba and his boys, the job is far from done. But this was the kind of performance that reminds the continent why Nigeria remains a powerhouse at youth level.
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