According to a report by OwnGoalNigeria on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Nigeria have been handed a second chance to qualify for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) reportedly moved to include the Flying Eagles in the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations following Ghana's removal as hosts.

The development could revive Nigeria's hopes of competing at the continental tournament after missing out on an opportunity to secure qualification through the initial process.

CAF has informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to keep the Flying Eagles on standby for a possible place in the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria initially missed out on qualification after suffering a 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the final of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship.

Burkina Faso secured the region's automatic qualification slot, while Ghana were expected to take the second place as tournament hosts.

However, Ghana's reported failure to meet CAF's hosting requirements has changed the situation, with the continental football governing body expected to appoint a new host for the competition.

The development could benefit Nigeria, who finished as runners-up in the WAFU Zone B tournament, allowing the seven-time African champions to take the place initially reserved for Ghana as hosts.

The 2027 U-20 AFCON will be particularly important for the Flying Eagles, as the competition will also serve as Africa's qualification tournament for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

According to CAF, the four semi-finalists will represent the continent at the global tournament.

Nigeria's potential inclusion would provide another opportunity for the team to compete for continental honours and keep their hopes of returning to the U-20 World Cup alive.

They have also finished runners-up at the FIFA U-20 World Cup twice, in 1989 and 2005.