Nigeria U15 endured a tough start to their campaign at the ongoing African School Football Championship (WAFU B Qualifiers) in Ouagadougou, falling 4–1 to a ruthless Côte d’Ivoire U15 side in the opening Group B encounter on Monday.
The young Ivorians announced their intentions early in the match, pressing high and forcing Nigeria into defensive errors.
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Their sharp movement and quick combinations in the final third paid off midway through the first half, as they broke the deadlock with a well-placed strike.
Before Nigeria could regain composure, Côte d’Ivoire doubled its lead, capitalising on another moment of slack defending to head into the break with a comfortable 2–0 advantage.
Nigeria began the second half with greater urgency, pushing forward in search of a way back into the contest.
Their efforts were briefly rewarded when they pulled one goal back through a neat finish, bringing some hope of a possible comeback.
However, Côte d’Ivoire remained unfazed and continued to dictate the pace of the game.
The Ivorians restored their two-goal cushion shortly after, punishing Nigeria on the counterattack.
They sealed the emphatic victory with a fourth goal late in the match, showcasing superior physicality, better organisation, and more clinical execution in front of goal.
For Nigeria U15, the result is a disappointing setback, especially considering their ambition to advance from a group that includes regional rivals Benin Republic and Côte d’Ivoire.
The technical crew will now need to make swift tactical adjustments as the team prepares for its next fixture, with qualification hopes still alive but under early pressure.
Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, move top of the group and will look to maintain their strong start as the competition continues. The victory places them in a commanding position to push for a semifinal spot in the four-day tournament
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