The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria have failed to book a place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup after they were knocked out of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by Burkina Faso.

The Eaglets were beaten 2-1 in a quarter-final encounter in Algiers on Thursday night.

Aboubacar Camara scored a brace for the Junior Stallions to earn Nigeria’s neighbours victory in the tightly contested duel.

It was sweet revenge for Burkina who lost to Nigeria via the same score-line in the final of the WAFU Zone qualifiers.

The Golden Eaglets piled on the pressure in an attempt to force a draw and extend the game over 90 minutes. The keeper sent Favour Daniel’s looping header over the bar, while Umar Abubakar had a curling freekick saved for a corner.

Despite considerable efforts, Nigeria’s attempt to change the tide failed.

The result means the Eaglets will not be at this year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup billed to hold from 10 November to 2 December 2023 in a yet to be decided country.

Burkina Faso will now return to Annaba, where they played their group matches, to face Senegal, another West African team, in the semi-finals.

In the second semi-final, Morocco booked a tie against two-time champions Mali, and just like Senegal are in line for their maiden crown.

The Atlas Cubs of Morocco earned a place in the last eight after a spirited 3-0 victory over hosts Algeria.

Semi-Final Fixtures (To be played May 14)

Senegal vs Burkina Faso – 19 May 1956 Stadium, Annaba, 17h00 local time

Morocco vs Mali – Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui, Constantine, 20h00 local time.

The Nigeria national U-17 football team known as the Golden Eaglets, is the youngest team that represents Nigeria in football The team is the most successful in international football for their age group winning a record, five FIFA U-17 World Cup titles and are runners up on three occasions

INN