Cyprus 1-2 Nigeria: Future Eagles Claim First Win at FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival
Wisdom Oche and substitute Timothy Ijach score as Nigeria recover from conceding first to secure their first victory in Baku.
Nigeria’s Future Eagles recorded their first victory at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan, after coming from behind to defeat Cyprus 2-1.
The Nigerian side secured all three points on Monday, 26 October 2026, following three consecutive draws against South Sudan, Jordan and The Gambia.
Cyprus took the lead in the 12th minute through Georgios Christodoulou, putting Nigeria under pressure as they searched for a response.
The Future Eagles drew level five minutes later when Wisdom Oche scored in the 17th minute to make it 1-1.
Nigeria completed the comeback in the 26th minute through substitute Timothy Ijach, who found the net to give the Future Eagles a 2-1 advantage.
The Future Eagles held on to their lead to secure their first win of the competition and end their run of draws.
Nigeria’s Results at the Tournament
Before the victory over Cyprus, Nigeria had drawn all three of their previous matches:
Nigeria 3-3 South Sudan
Nigeria 2-2 Jordan
Nigeria 3-3 The Gambia
The win over Cyprus gives Nigeria renewed momentum as they continue their campaign in Baku.
Next Match: Nigeria vs Pakistan
Nigeria are scheduled to face Pakistan later on Monday, 26 October, with kick-off set for 3:15 p.m. West Africa Time (WAT).
The Future Eagles will look to build on their victory over Cyprus as they continue their participation in the tournament.
Cyprus vs Nigeria: Starting Line-ups
Cyprus: Orestis Stylianou, Giannis Tsolakis, Andreas Zavros, Iakovos Nikolaou (captain), Eirinaios Kyriazis, Constantinos Markidis, Stavros Bampaloutas, Georgios Christodoulou.
Nigeria: Chidalu Linus, Daniel Olaomi, David Okwusogu, Mayowa Salu, Wisdom Oche (captain), Ayomide Jekami, Michael Ibironke, Abdulrazak Mufutau.
Nigeria substitutes: Victor Wisdom, Prosperity Anionovo, Timothy Ijach, Abdulsalam Muhammad, Martin Chukwu, Wisdom Boniface.
Cyprus substitutes: Efraim Kyriacou, Christos Kyriakou, Panayiotis Achilleos, Marcos Psindrides, Georgios Hadjigeorgiou.
Coaches: Michalis Markou (Cyprus); Patrick Bassey (Nigeria).
Match Details
Competition: FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival
Match: Cyprus 1-2 Nigeria
Half-time: Cyprus 1-1 Nigeria
Goals: Georgios Christodoulou 12' (Cyprus); Wisdom Oche 17', Timothy Ijach 26' (Nigeria)
Venue: Baku, Azerbaijan
Date: Monday, 26 October 2026
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