The five-time world champions saw their qualification hopes fade following a 1-1 draw against Ivory Coast in Burkina Faso on Saturday.
Having suffered a 2-1 defeat to Niger Republic in their opening fixture, The Golden Eaglets needed victory against the Ivorians to keep their qualification ambitions alive.
However, coach Eboboritse Uwejamomere's team could only manage a draw, finishing bottom of their three-team group and consequently missing out on qualification for the 2027 U17 Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA U17 World Cup.
The latest setback represents another painful chapter in the decline of a country widely regarded as one of the greatest forces in youth international football.
A rich history losing its shine
Nigeria's relationship with the FIFA U17 World Cup is one of international football's great success stories.
Captained by Nduka Ugbade, the Golden Eaglets became the competition's inaugural champions in 1985 in China.
Further triumphs followed in 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015, establishing the West Africans as the tournament's most decorated nation.
Those victories helped reinforce Nigeria's reputation as a breeding ground for exceptional footballing talent, with Nwankwo Kanu, Celestine Babayaro, John Obi Mikel, Victor Ikpeba, Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Iheanacho emerging from successful youth international campaigns before progressing to the Super Eagles.
Missing the 2023 edition in Indonesia was blamed on poor preparation, but missing the 2025, 2026 and now the 2027 editions demands a critical examination.
Nigeria possesses a passionate football culture and a seemingly endless supply of young players aspiring to professional careers.
The latest setback is a big indictment of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) about the effectiveness of its youth development strategy.
Nigeria would be hoping to bounce back to reckoning by qualifying for the 2028 edition to be held in Qatar.
