Nigeria Future Eagles Finish First Stage Unbeaten with Seven Points at FIFA U-15 World Cup

Nigeria’s Future Eagles finished the first stage of the 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival unbeaten, collecting seven points from five matches in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The Nigerian team recorded one win and four draws to finish third in Group AD, scoring 11 goals and conceding 10.

Nigeria concluded the first stage with a 1-1 draw against Pakistan on Monday, 26 October.

Pakistan took the lead in the 21st minute through Kaleemulah, but Timothy Ijach equalised four minutes later to earn Nigeria another point.

The result followed Nigeria’s 2-1 comeback victory over Cyprus earlier in the day, their first win of the competition after three consecutive draws.

Future Eagles’ Results in the First Stage

Nigeria opened their campaign with a 3-3 draw against South Sudan before playing out a 2-2 stalemate with Jordan.

They then drew 3-3 against The Gambia, extending their run without a victory to three matches.

The Future Eagles finally secured their first win by defeating Cyprus 2-1, with Wisdom Oche and Timothy Ijach scoring after Nigeria had fallen behind.

Their final first-stage fixture ended in a 1-1 draw against Pakistan, with Ijach finding the net again.

Nigeria’s results were:

• Nigeria 3-3 South Sudan

• Jordan 2-2 Nigeria

• Nigeria 3-3 The Gambia

• Cyprus 1-2 Nigeria

• Pakistan 1-1 Nigeria

Nigeria’s First-Stage Record

Nigeria finished with the following statistics:

• Matches played: 5

• Wins: 1

• Draws: 4

• Defeats: 0

• Goals scored: 11

• Goals conceded: 10

• Points: 7

Nigeria’s Future Eagles finished third in Group AD with 7 points from five matches at the first stage of the competition.

Group AD Final Standings:

1. Cyprus: 10 points (GD: +8)

2. South Sudan: 10 points (GD: -1)

3. Nigeria: 7 points (GD: +1)

4. Jordan: 5 points (GD: -1)

5. The Gambia: 5 points (GD: 0)

6. Pakistan: 2 points (GD: -7)

Nigeria recorded one win and four draws, scoring 11 goals and conceding 10.

Future Eagles Move to Tier C

Following the conclusion of the first stage, Nigeria will continue their campaign in Tier C.

The team will aim to build on their first-stage performances and improve their results in the next phase of the tournament.

The 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival is being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, with matches played in an eight-a-side format featuring two 20-minute halves.

Nigeria’s attention now turns to the next stage as the Future Eagles seek to continue their development and finish the competition strongly.