![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/thumbor\/mAfyWHHJ1P0QvUNhvo7c7xuuJaI=\/750x499\/smart\/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.soccernet.ng%2Fmain%2F2026%2F07%2FWhatsApp-Image-2026-07-06-at-09.25.05.jpeg\")
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Golden Eaglets players. (Photo credit: Imago)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Nigeria\u2019s under-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, settled for a 1-1 draw against China in their final match of a four-nation invitational tournament, Soccernet.ng<\/a> reports.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u200bExpectations were high for the squad, managed by former Sporting Lagos Academy boss, Eboboritse Uwejamomere, but the team failed to meet them. After a 3-2 loss to Tanzania and a 4-2 defeat to Australia, the Eaglets managed only a stalemate against China to close out their campaign.<\/p>\n \u200bThis result has left many fans anxious, particularly given Nigeria\u2019s struggles in age-grade competitions over the past five years. Moving forward, the team will remain under intense scrutiny. <\/p>\n However, while the tournament<\/a> exposed significant deficiencies, there were some positives to build upon. In this article, Soccernet.ng<\/strong> identifies three vital takeaways from the Golden Eaglets’ performance in China.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udea8\ud83d\udea8 Baptism of fire for Eboboritse Uwejamomere-led team scoring 5 goals and conceded 8 goals in three matches.<\/p>\n The Nigeria-U17 will be travelling back to Nigeria in preparation for WAFU-B tournament, simultaneously with friendlies. https:\/\/t.co\/dPSA4L5wsm<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u2014 Nigeria Scout (@9jaPlayersNews) July 11, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n \u200bThe most alarming issue from the tournament was the team’s defensive structure. Over three games, the Eaglets conceded eight goals and failed to keep a single clean sheet. While the squad is young, such a defensive record is shambolic and reflects poorly on the coaching staff.<\/p>\n \u200bThe hallmark of a great team is its defense, and it is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the backline. The fact that the technical crew could not address these defensive vulnerabilities over the course of the tournament suggests a deeper issue \u2014 whether it is a lack of player work rate, the individual quality of the defenders, or a combination of both, this situation must be rectified immediately.<\/p>\n \u200bWhile Nigeria leaked goals at an alarming rate, they remained potent in the final third, finding the net five times throughout the tournament.<\/p>\n \u200bThis is a promising sign, indicating that there is genuine attacking talent capable of threatening any opposition. Coach Eboboritse now faces the challenge of fine-tuning the attack to create even more scoring opportunities while finding a better balance within the squad.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udea8The Golden Eaglets camp is now OPEN ahead of this year\u2019s WAFU B U17 Boys Championship in September. <\/p>\n It will serve as the qualification tournament for next year\u2019s Africa U17 Cup of Nations.<\/p>\n The team is being headed by Eboboritse Uwejamomere, Olumide Ajibolade (1st assistant),\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/ip5rU6qmhi<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/thumbor\/tNfHLcPVsqyR1zpg7eCwryHqfjg=\/1206x905\/smart\/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.soccernet.ng%2Fmain%2F2026%2F07%2FGolden-Eaglets-edited.jpg\")
\u200b1. Defensive Problems Plague Eboboritse’s Team<\/h3>\n
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\u200b2. Attacking Potential<\/h3>\n
![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/thumbor\/4A59H6AMUHhoAkjrUokYQJSLoRE=\/6720x4480\/smart\/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.soccernet.ng%2Fmain%2F2026%2F07%2Fimago1024796667.jpg\")
\u200b3. How Limited Preparation Affected The Team<\/h3>\n
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