Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have bowed out of the race for the 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations and the FIFA U-17 World Cup following a 2-0 loss to Ghana’s Black Starlets in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire.

The match, billed as one of the fiercest rivalries in West African football, saw Ghana seize the initiative from the onset.

Michael Awuli broke the deadlock with a precise finish before Yao Gavi doubled the lead, leaving Nigeria trailing by two goals before half time.

Although the Eaglets rallied after halftime, their inability to convert chances and a lack of composure in front of goal ensured Ghana’s defence held firm. The result sealed Nigeria’s elimination and continued a worrying trend of inconsistency at the youth level.

Coach Manu Garba, visibly disappointed after the final whistle, admitted his boys fell short.

“We gave everything but couldn’t take our chances. At this level, mistakes are costly, and Ghana punished us. It’s a painful result for the team and for Nigerians who believed in us," he said

The defeat means the five-time world champions at the U-17 level will not feature in next year’s CAF U-17 AFCON, which also serves as the qualifier for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Ghana, meanwhile, advances with momentum and renewed confidence.