U17 World Cup: These 5 African wonderkids who made their mark on the tournament
The 20th edition of the U17 World Cup will take place in Qatar from November 3 to 27.
This new edition promises to be exceptional, with 48 nations set to compete in the tournament, including 10 representatives from the African continent: South Africa, Zambia, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Morocco, Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Egypt.
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Over the years, several African players have left a lasting impression on this competition, including:
Nii Lamptey
The Ghanaian midfielder was voted best player of the 4th edition of the tournament in Italy. The former Anderlecht player was one of the key architects of the Black Starlets' triumph.
Wilson Oruma
The Nigerian playmaker shone during the 5th edition held in Japan. He claimed the Golden Boot, awarded to the tournament’s top scorer, after netting 6 goals.
Macauley Chrisantus
The former Karlsruher SC striker also clinched the Golden Boot at the 2007 edition in South Korea. The Abuja native pulled off the feat of scoring 6 goals in 7 matches.
Sani Emmanuel
The former Lazio pocket striker won the Golden Ball at the 2009 edition thanks to his outstanding performances throughout the tournament. Scoring 5 goals, he played a pivotal role in the Golden Eaglets' title run.
Victor Osimhen
The Galatasaray forward burst onto the scene during the 2015 U17 World Cup in Chile. The former Napoli man netted 10 goals for Nigeria, setting the record for the most goals by a striker since the tournament’s inception in 1985.
Africa
13 July 2026
World Cup 2026
11 July 2026
