Golden Eaglets Depart For China Ahead Of International Youth Tournament

Nigeria’s U17 boys, the Golden Eaglets, have departed for China to participate in the four-nation China International Youth Football Tournament, scheduled to take place in Yinchuan from 5 to 11 July.

The competition forms part of the team’s preparations for the 2026 WAFU B U17 Championship, which serves as the qualifying tournament for next year’s U17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Five-time FIFA U17 World Cup champions Nigeria will compete alongside hosts China, Australia and Tanzania in the invitational tournament, with all matches to be played at the Yinchuan Sports Centre Helanshan Stadium.

The Nigerian delegation is led by head coach Uwejamomere Eboboritse, assisted by Kalli Mohammed Kachalla and Abdullahi Isa.

The tournament is expected to provide the coaching crew with an opportunity to assess the squad against quality international opposition as preparations intensify ahead of the regional qualifiers later this year.

Beyond the results, the competition will allow the technical team to evaluate player combinations, improve tactical organisation and expose the young squad to competitive international football.

Nigeria remain the most successful nation in FIFA U17 World Cup history with five titles, and the Golden Eaglets will hope the experience gained in China provides valuable momentum as they begin the journey towards qualifying for the next continental and global youth competitions.