Flying Eagles return to Abuja, intensify U20 AFCON preparations
Seven-time champions Nigeria have returned to Abuja to intensify preparations for the 24th Africa U20 Cup of Nations, set to kick off later this month in Egypt. The Flying Eagles had spent three weeks in Katsina for a training camp designed to mirror the climate of Cote d’Ivoire—the tournament’s original host—before the sudden withdrawal of […]
flying eagles’ wasiu ajisafe (right) in action with a young elephant during a two match tour of cote d’ivoire recently
Seven-time champions Nigeria have returned to Abuja to intensify preparations for the 24th Africa U20 Cup of Nations, set to kick off later this month in Egypt.
The Flying Eagles had spent three weeks in Katsina for a training camp designed to mirror the climate of Cote d’Ivoire—the tournament’s original host—before the sudden withdrawal of the West African nation.
In a surprise move that unsettled both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and participating nations, Egypt—hosts of the 2023 edition—stepped in to take over the 2025 tournament.
“We are grateful to His Excellency, Governor Umaru Dikko Radda for hosting the team for three weeks in Katsina and making sure players and officials trained and camped in a conducive environment. The coaches have had some useful time to work on the team and it is now down to the final stages of preparation where the ascent will be on tactical and technical formations,” said NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.
He added, “At the moment, due to the change of host nation, and the difference in weather conditions between Cote d’Ivoire and Egypt, we are looking at the team leaving Nigeria early to spend about 10 days in Egypt before the commencement of the tournament.”
The team will now train at the FIFA Goal Project facility in Abuja before heading to Egypt. Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu has called up 35 players—including three goalkeepers, eight defenders, 10 midfielders, and 14 forwards—for the final phase of preparations.
The top four teams in Egypt will secure automatic qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled from September 27 to October 18.
35 FLYING EAGLES FOR CAMPING IN ABUJA:
Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC); Soliu Ajia (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia).
Defenders: Adewale Quadri (Nath Boys Academy); Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Odinaka Okoro Emmanuel (Sporting Lagos); Kenneth Igboke (Enugu Rangers); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Haruna Aliyu (Wikki Tourists); Chukwu Emmanuel (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Chigozie Michael Ihejiofor (Katsina United).
Midfielders: Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Ujanik, Croatia); Michael Tunde (Simon Ben FC); Sabiu Mohammed (Niger Tornadoes); Akinniran Oluwashile (Water FC); Ibrahim Alani (Real Valladolid, Spain); Ayuma Isaac Israel (NK Istra, Croatia); Cletus Simon (Mavlon FC); Sulaiman Alabi Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors); Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United); Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists).
Forwards: Umar Abubakar (KAA Gent, Belgium); Anthony Ezekiel (Inspire FC); Otu Joseph (Mavlon FC); Nasiru Salihu (El-Kanemi Warriors); Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy); Adeleke Abdulmuiz (Adoration FC); Clinton Jephta (Enyimba FC); Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire FC); Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC); Rickson Mendos (Niger Tornadoes); Mustapha Umar (Kano Pillars); Kingsley Matthew (Kings FC); Armiyau Yusha’u (Katsina United); Benjamin Precious (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany).