Golden Eaglets falter again, held by Ghana’s U-17

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets played out a 1-1 draw in their second and final group game against Ghana’s Black Starlets in the WAFU U-17 tournament holding in Lome, Togo. They were in a three-team group with Ivory Coast the third team. The competition is to determine who qualifies for the 2021 U-17 African Cup of Nations.

The Golden Eaglets lost their opening game against Ivory Coast by 1 goal to nil, and in the aftermath of the game, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick urged the boys to win their next games in the tournament.

In a closely contested match, Nigeria’s boys took a lead in the 77th minute when Joseph Arumala converted from the penalty spot. The Black Starlets however hit back in the 84th minute with a penalty of their own to tie the game.

The result means Nigeria’s U-17 side are almost certain to crash out of the age grade tournament after picking up only one point from a possible six. They now have to hope that Ivory Coast can defeat Ghana to have a chance of qualifying for the semifinals.