Golden Eaglets Open Camp for 2027 U-17 AFCON Qualifying Campaign

Nigeria’s U-17 national team, the Golden Eaglets, have opened camp as the country begins preparations for its qualifying campaign toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations at the U-17 level, the Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed.

The camp opening marks the start of a renewed grassroots push by the NFF to rebuild Nigeria’s pipeline of young talent following the senior Super Eagles’ disappointing failure to qualify for the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Technical crew members overseeing the Golden Eaglets programme say the camp will focus on identifying promising young players from across the country’s academies and Nationwide age-grade competitions, with an emphasis on both technical development and tactical discipline.

Nigeria has historically been one of the most successful nations at the FIFA U-17 World Cup level, and NFF officials say restoring that pedigree remains a key priority as the federation works to reverse recent underperformance at the senior level.

The qualifying pathway toward the 2027 U-17 AFCON is expected to begin in earnest in the coming months, with regional qualifying rounds preceding the continental tournament.

NFF officials say continued investment in youth development remains central to the federation’s long-term strategy for returning the senior national team to major tournaments, including the 2030 FIFA World Cup.