Championship: Garba promises stronger Golden Eaglets ahead of Burkina Faso clash

Championship: Garba promises stronger Golden Eaglets ahead of Burkina Faso clash

Golden Eaglets head coach Manu Garba has expressed confidence that his young team will show significant improvement when they go head-to-head with Burkina Faso in their final Group B match at the ongoing WAFU B U-17 Championship.

The five-time world champions booked their place in the semi-finals after thrashing Benin Republic 4-1 on Wednesday, a result that underlined their pedigree in youth football despite having only recently assembled their squad.

Saturday’s game in Yamoussoukro carries extra weight, as both sides are still vying for top spot in Group B. Nigeria, who have made it a tradition to dominate age-grade football on the continent, are aiming not just for victory but also for a performance that reflects their growing cohesion.

Speaking after the emphatic win against Benin, Garba was quick to point out that fans should expect more from his boys as they grow into the competition.

“We will see a better Nigerian team as the tournament progresses,” he assured. “This squad only came together about a month ago, and the match against Benin was their very first international test. With every game, they will gain experience, rhythm, and confidence.”

The Golden Eaglets are chasing qualification for the 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, which is reserved for the top two finishers at the WAFU B tournament. For Garba, however, the bigger picture is preparing a team capable of restoring Nigeria’s dominance on the global stage.

Observers believe Saturday’s clash will be a tougher examination for the Eaglets. Burkina Faso’s youth sides have often pushed Nigeria to the limit in recent years, and their physical style is expected to test Garba’s relatively new group. Still, the coach maintains faith in his squad’s ability to rise to the occasion.

Victory on Saturday would not only guarantee Nigeria’s progression as group leaders but also send a message to the rest of the competition that the Eaglets remain the team to beat.