Nigeria’s U-17 national team, the Golden Eaglets, stepped up preparations for next month’s China Invitational Tournament with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Sporting Dream in a friendly match in Abuja.
The encounter formed part of the team’s build-up to the four-nation tournament in China, where the Golden Eaglets will test themselves against top youth sides ahead of the WAFU-B U-17 Championship.
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Among the standout performers was Buruj Football Club and Sports Academy midfielder Raheem Moyinoluwa Salaudeen, who delivered an accomplished performance in midfield with his composure, vision and ability to control the tempo of the game.
Speaking after the match, Salaudeen expressed his delight at continuing his journey with Nigeria’s youth national teams.
«”I’m living my dream every time I put on the Nigerian jersey. It’s a privilege to represent my country, and I’ll continue working hard to improve and contribute to the team’s success,” Salaudeen said.»
The highly-rated midfielder recently joined the Golden Eaglets camp after receiving an invitation from the Nigeria Football Federation, continuing a steady rise through the country’s youth football ranks.
Salaudeen previously represented Nigeria’s U-15 team during the international friendlies against Morocco in 2023 before featuring at the African School Games in Algeria in 2024 and Burkina Faso in 2025.
«”Every opportunity to play for Nigeria means a lot to me. I want to keep learning from the coaches, helping my teammates and making my family, my club and the country proud,” he added.»
The impressive victory gives the Golden Eaglets another confidence boost as preparations intensify for the China Invitational Tournament, where the young Nigerians will continue their quest to build a formidable squad for future international competitions.
