Boluwatife Kehinde
Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets delivered a masterclass in attacking football on Wednesday as they swept aside Benin Republic 4-1 to book their spot in the quarterfinals of the 2025 WAFU B U17 Boys Championship in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire.
The five-time world champions came out with intent, pressing high and moving the ball quickly to unsettle their opponents. It took only a few minutes for Manu Garba’s boys to find their rhythm, and once they did, the contest became a showcase of Nigerian youth football brilliance.
Leading the charge was forward George Chimaobi Agah, whose first-half hat trick underlined his clinical edge in front of goal. Agah was a constant menace, exploiting gaps in Benin’s defense with intelligent runs and ruthless finishing. His three strikes not only tilted the balance firmly in Nigeria’s favor but also earned him the Man of the Match award.
The Eaglets were not done yet. Midfielder David Edeh capped off a dazzling first half with a composed finish, stretching the lead to 4-0 before halftime. Benin Republic, to their credit, managed to pull one back in the second period, but by then the damage had been done.
Nigeria’s second-half approach was professional and controlled. Rather than chase more goals, they managed possession, tightened their defensive shape, and denied Benin any real chance of a comeback. It was a performance that showed maturity and discipline, traits that will serve them well as the tournament progresses.
The victory ensured that Nigeria climbed to the top of Group B, guaranteeing their progression to the knockout stages. Next, they face Burkina Faso in a match that will determine who finishes first in the group. While Burkina Faso only need a draw to qualify as runners-up, they will be wary of an Eaglets side brimming with confidence.
For Benin Republic, however, the tournament ends in disappointment after collecting just one point from two matches. Despite their effort, they were unable to match Nigeria’s pace, power, and technical superiority.
With their sights now firmly set on the semifinals, the Golden Eaglets remain strong contenders to lift the regional title and secure qualification for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations.
