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Former Nigeria international Ifeanyi Udeze has expressed shock following the Golden Eaglets’ 2-1 defeat to Niger Republic, in their opening Group B fixture at the 2026 WAFU B U-17 Championship.
Niger, took the lead in the 20th minute through Abdoul Razaq Zada then with four minutes left Abdoul Rakilou made it 2-0.
In stoppage time the Golden Eaglets pulled a goal back thanks to Mubarak Fasiu but it was too little too late as Niger held on to claim the three points.
The result means Niger Republic have advanced to the semifinals with four points from two matches (Niger drew 1-1 with Côte d’Ivoire in their first game).
Reacting to the defeat, Udeze said despite the abundance of talents in Nigeria he could not understand how the Golden Eaglets lost to Niger.
Also Read: WAFU B U-17 Championship: Golden Eaglets Coach Optimistic Ahead Of Niger Showdown
“I still can’t process it, I can’t believe the Golden Eaglets lost to a team like Niger Republic,” Udeze said on BRILA FM.
“We have talents all over the place, if you are talking about talents they are everywhere in the country, so I find it hard to understand that we lost to Niger Republic.”
The Golden Eaglets must now beat Côte d’Ivoire in their second group match to stand a chance of making the last four.
By James Agberebi
