By VICTOR OKOYE

Nigeria’s U15 team stumbled in their WAFU-B opener, losing 4–1 to a ruthless Côte d’Ivoire side in Ouagadougou.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match was their first group stage game of the WAFU-B zonal qualifiers for this year’s CAF Schools Football Championship.

The Nigeria squad, made up of players from a number of schools that took part in the national competition in Abuja two months ago, took on their counterparts from Cote d’Ivoire at the Stade August 4.

The Ivorians struck first in the 6th minute when N’Goran Yao Philippe finished calmly after a quick attacking move.

Diarrassouba Dramane doubled the lead in the 18th minute, punishing a defensive lapse with a precise low effort.

Meïté Christ Loan made it 3–0 in the 22nd minute, capping Côte d’Ivoire’s dominant start with a powerful strike.

Konaté Mory added the fourth in the 34th minute, leaving Nigeria with a mountain to climb before the break.

Peter Moses pulled one back for Nigeria in the 37th minute, but the late consolation failed to spark a comeback.

The Nigerian School boys now face a must-win final Group B clash against Benin Republic as they seek to revive their campaign.

The zonal qualifying tournament is taking place in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso.

The four-day fiesta will witness competition in both male and female categories, though Nigeria is taking part in only the male event.

Group A of the male competition has hosts Burkina Faso, Ghana and Niger Republic, with Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria and Benin Republic in Group B. (NAN)