The Golden Eaglets commenced their preparations for the upcoming WAFU U-17 Championship with their first training session at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch in Abuja, on Thursday.

However, the training session saw a significant reduction in the number of players present.

According to reports from ScoreNigeria, head coach Manu Garba has decided to focus exclusively on the 51 players he initially invited to the camp.

Most of the invited players have already undergone the mandatory MRI test, which determines their eligibility to participate in the WAFU tournament.

The WAFU U-17 Championship is scheduled to take place in Ghana, with the tournament kicking off on May 15.

The Golden Eaglets will be looking to defend their title after emerging victorious against Burkina Faso in the final two years ago.

In addition to the regional title, the WAFU Championship will also serve as a qualifier for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, adding an extra layer of importance to the competition for the participating teams.

With preparations now in full swing and the squad narrowed down, the Golden Eaglets will be aiming to put in a strong performance as they look to retain their title and secure qualification for the continental tournament.