Future Eagles beat Rwanda in classification play-off

Nigeria’s Future Eagles defeated Rwanda 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to advance to the 73rd–76th-place semi-finals at the 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The victory offered the Nigerian youngsters a chance to improve their final standing after their hopes of winning the Tier C title ended with a 6-3 defeat to Benin Republic in the Round of 16.

Wisdom Boniface gave Nigeria the lead with a free-kick in the 26th minute, but Rwanda equalised in the 39th minute to force a penalty shootout.

The Future Eagles held their nerve from the spot, converting four penalties to Rwanda’s three to secure progression.

The result set up a classification semi-final against Chile, who also advanced after a penalty shootout following a 3-3 draw with Japan.

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• Future Eagles beat Cyprus, draw with Pakistan

Nigeria had earlier recorded a 7-0 victory over New Caledonia, with captain Timothy Ijach scoring a hat-trick, before losing to Benin Republic.

The classification matches provide teams eliminated from the race for the tier title with further opportunities to compete and improve their final positions.

The Future Eagles will now seek another victory against Chile as they continue their campaign in the tournament.

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