Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets began their campaign at the 2026 China International Youth Football Tournament with a spirited 3-2 defeat to Tanzania in an entertaining opening match at the Yinchuan Sports Centre Helanshan Stadium in Yinchuan, China.
The four-nation invitational tournament forms a key part of Nigeria’s preparations for the WAFU B U-17 Championship in September, where places at the 2027 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations will be up for grabs.
Under newly appointed head coach Uwejamomere Eboboritse, the Golden Eaglets are using the competition to build team chemistry, assess players, and fine-tune their tactical approach ahead of the regional qualifiers.
Tanzania produced a composed display in the five-goal contest, holding off a late Nigerian fightback to secure victory in the tournament’s opening fixture.
The Golden Eaglets will aim to register their first win when they take on Australia on Wednesday, July 8, before rounding off their campaign against hosts China on Saturday, July 11.
