Nigeria hits seven at the U-15 World Cup as Zambia and Madagascar march on
Ijachi scored a hat-trick against New Caledonia in Baku, and Zambia came from 2-0 down to beat England.
Lagos — African teams had a strong Wednesday at the first FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan, an eight-a-side tournament for 189 teams with two 20-minute halves.
Nigeria 7, New Caledonia 0
Nigeria's Future Eagles reached the Tier C round of 16 with their biggest win of the tournament. Oche scored in the first minute, Ijachi struck twice in four minutes and completed his hat-trick before half-time, Muhammad added two and Salu scored the seventh. Nigeria, who drew four of their five group games, play Benin or Cuba next.
Zambia and Madagascar into Tier B quarter-finals
- Zambia trailed England 2-0, then Maxen Msimuko, Samuel Musonda and Chrispine Katoba turned it into a 3-2 win. They then beat Niger 2-0.
- Madagascar beat Iraq 2-1 and Uzbekistan 4-1, their sixth win in seven games. They meet Senegal, who beat Costa Rica 6-1, on Thursday.
- South Africa beat Malaysia 6-2, with four goals from Camden Schaper, before losing 2-1 to Portugal.
- Angola, who won all five group games to reach Tier A, lost to Czechia and Peru.
Teams were split into six tiers after the group stage, and each tier crowns its own winner.
Sources: Premium Times; COSAFA via AllAfrica, 29 October 2026.
