George Agha struck a memorable hat-trick and claimed the MVP award on Wednesday as Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets cruised past Benin Republic’s Baby Cheetahs 4–1 in their opening match of the WAFU-B U17 Championship in Yamoussoukro.
But despite the personal glory, the young striker insists his eyes are firmly set on the bigger goal — securing a ticket to the FIFA U17 World Cup.
Read Also: 2025 WAFU B U-17 Boys: Agah Hits First-Half Treble as Golden Eaglets Wallop Benin Republic, Book Semi Final Ticket
The Golden Eaglets were quick out of the blocks. Agha opened scoring from the penalty spot in the 3rd minute after Boluwatife Thompson was fouled, before David Edeh doubled the advantage with a spectacular free-kick two minutes later.
By the 14th minute, Agha had bagged his brace, and he went on to complete his hat-trick in the 32nd minute after a slick exchange between Thompson and Edeh.
Benin managed a consolation just before halftime through Jeremy Zannou, but Manu Garba’s boys had long sealed the win.
After the match, Agha downplayed individual accolades, stressing the team’s collective ambition: “We remain focused and will not get carried away. I will keep giving my best, but we all know that the ultimate is World Cup qualification. That is what drives us.”
His words underline the mentality within a Golden Eaglets squad aiming not just for regional dominance, but also for a return to the global stage where Nigeria’s U17 legacy was built.
