Nigeria's Golden Eaglets have started their China International Youth Football Tournament campaign on the back foot, falling to a 3-2 defeat against Tanzania on Sunday.

The East Africans dominated the first half, with Issa Chole and Hamisi Chenga both finding the net to hand Tanzania a 2-0 lead at the break.

The Golden Eaglets responded after the interval with a much-improved display, cutting the deficit to 2-1 following sustained pressure on the Tanzanian goal.

Tanzania reasserted their control when Kassim Juma produced a clinical finish to restore the two-goal cushion at 3-1, dealing a significant blow to Nigeria's hopes of a comeback.

The Eaglets did pull another goal back to make it 3-2, but the Tanzanians held firm and saw out the result for a well-earned victory.

Wednesday's clash with Australia

Uwejamomere Eboboritse's side must now regroup ahead of their next fixture on Wednesday against Australia, where they will be desperate to register their first win of the tournament.

The four-nation competition forms a central part of Nigeria's preparations for the WAFU B U-17 Championship in September — a tournament that doubles as the qualifying stage for the 2027 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.