Nigeria's Golden Eaglets, five-time world champions at under-17 level, stepped up their preparations for the 2026 WAFU B U-17 Championship with a double-header of friendly matches in Abuja on Saturday.

In the opening fixture at the FIFA Goal Project pitch inside the MKO Abiola National Stadium, the Eaglets ran out 4-0 winners over Simonben Academy of Kaduna. Coach Eboboritse Uwejamomere's side dominated throughout but carried only a one-goal lead into the break despite crafting several chances in an entertaining first half.

The second period brought a much sharper performance. The Eaglets added three more goals to seal a commanding result, leaving Simonben Academy with no answer to Nigeria's attacking quality.

Galadima FC hold Eaglets to goalless draw

Later that evening, the Golden Eaglets returned to the same venue to face Abuja-based Galadima FC in a second friendly. The encounter had a very different complexion, with Galadima FC producing a disciplined defensive display that frustrated the Nigerian side throughout.

Despite creating openings, the Eaglets could not find the breakthrough, and the match ended 0-0. The stalemate offered Uwejamomere's coaching staff a useful reminder of the defensive resilience they may encounter at the tournament.

Tournament on the horizon

Both friendlies are part of the Golden Eaglets' structured build-up ahead of the WAFU B U-17 Championship, which is scheduled to run from October 4 to 17 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Nigeria will be among the favourites, carrying the weight of their record five world titles into a tournament that serves as a key qualifying gateway for the FIFA U-17 World Cup.