Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have failed to qualify for the 2027 Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-1 draw with Côte d’Ivoire in their final Group B match in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

The team needed a win to reach the semi-finals after losing 2-1 to Niger in their opening game on Oct. 14. 

Niger Republic and Côte d’Ivoire advanced from the group, ending Nigeria’s qualification hopes.

The elimination extends Nigeria’s absence from the U-17 AFCON, having also missed the 2023 and 2025 editions. 

The five-time FIFA U-17 World Cup champions last featured at the global tournament in 2019.