Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have suffered another setback in their quest to return to the FIFA U-17 World Cup after failing to qualify for the 2027 edition. Their hopes were dashed following a defeat to Niger Republic and a draw against Côte d’Ivoire in Group B of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-17 Championship.

The tournament serves as qualifying competition for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco which will also serve as African qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

The latest disappointment adds to a growing list of missed opportunities for the Golden Eaglets — a team that once set the standard in youth football. With five world titles (1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015) and three runner-up finishes, Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have enjoyed remarkable success at the tournament. However, their recent struggles highlight a worrying decline from the heights they once reached.

In this article, Completesports.com’s AUGUSTINE AKHILOMEN looks back at the seven FIFA U-17 World Cup editions Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have missed, examining the circumstances behind each absence.

1. 1991 (Italy)

– Reason for absence: Failed to qualify.

– Details: Following a golden era in the late 1980s, which included winning the inaugural tournament in 1985 and finishing as runners-up in 1987, the Eaglets stumbled on the continental stage and failed to reach the tournament in Italy.

Much was expected of the Golden Eaglets, given the array of young talent in the squad, but it simply was not to be.

Instead of starring on the world stage, the players were left watching from home as their peers showcased their skills to a global audience.

2. 1997 (Egypt)

– Reason for absence: Administrative disqualification.

– Details: Nigeria missed out following a reported administrative blunder. Officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (then known as the NFA) reportedly forgot the players’ passports in Lagos ahead of a crucial qualifier against Benin Republic in Ibadan.

By the time the passports arrived, the scheduled kick-off time had passed, resulting in a walkover against Nigeria.

The bizarre blunder cost a profoundly talented generation the opportunity to compete on the global stage.

3. 2005 (Peru)

– Reason for absence: Failed to qualify.

– Details: Nigeria failed to make the cut after a poor outing at the 2005 African U-17 Championship in The Gambia, where the team crashed out in the group stage.

The elimination meant the Golden Eaglets surrendered one of Africa’s coveted slots at the World Cup.

It was a major embarrassment for a nation boasting such a rich pedigree in age-grade football.

4. 2011 (Mexico)

– Reason for absence: Failed to qualify.

– Details: The Golden Eaglets failed to qualify for the tournament in Mexico after a disappointing campaign in the continental qualifiers.

It was a bitter pill to swallow, given Nigeria’s historical dominance at youth level.

However, the team rebounded spectacularly just two years later, lifting the trophy at the 2013 edition.

5. 2017 (India)

– Reason for absence: Failed to qualify.

– Details: After winning back-to-back world titles in 2013 and 2015, Nigeria’s qualification campaign ended in disappointment.

The Eaglets were stunned by Niger Republic in the second round of the regional qualifiers, making Nigeria the first reigning champions to miss the subsequent World Cup.

The elimination sent shockwaves through the Nigerian football community, leaving fans struggling to accept the team’s absence from the global stage.

6. 2023 (Indonesia)

– Reason for absence: Failed to qualify.

– Details: Nigeria qualified for the 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) but suffered a narrow 2–1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the quarter-finals.

As only the four semi-finalists secured World Cup tickets, the Golden Eaglets were left heartbroken.

Yet another promising generation of young talent was denied the chance to shine on the global stage.

7. 2025 (Qatar)

– Reason for absence: Failed to qualify.

– Details: As the tournament transitioned to an annual format, Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2025 edition after suffering a 2–0 semi-final defeat to Ghana at the WAFU Zone B tournament.

Their continued absence reflects Nigeria’s gradual decline in age-grade football.

The Golden Eaglets have repeatedly failed to qualify for a global tournament they once dominated.