Egypt-bound Flying Eagles return to Abuja to intensify U20 AFCON preparations

Posted : 10 April 2025

Seven-time champions Nigeria have relocated back to the Federal Capital, Abuja, as they intensify preparations for the 24th Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, scheduled to kick off later this month in Egypt.

The team returned to Abuja after a three-week training program in Katsina, where they camped to acclimatize to the weather, which was initially similar to that of Côte d’Ivoire — the country originally designated to host the tournament.

With Côte d’Ivoire pulling out as host nation at the last minute — to the dismay of the Confederation of African Football and the participating teams — Egypt (host of the last edition in 2023) stepped in to take over hosting duties.

“We are grateful to His Excellency, Governor Umaru Dikko Radda, for hosting the team for three weeks in Katsina and ensuring that both players and officials trained and camped in a conducive environment.

“The coaches have had valuable time to work on the team, and we are now entering the final stage of preparation, where the focus will shift to tactical and technical formations.

“At the moment, due to the change in host nation and the difference in weather conditions between Côte d’Ivoire and Egypt, we are considering an early departure to Egypt so the team can spend about 10 days there before the tournament begins,” said NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.

The team will utilize the FIFA Goal Project training field in Abuja for their sessions before departing for Egypt within the next week.

For the Abuja training camp, Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu — who led the team to successfully defend its WAFU B U-20 Championship title in Togo in October last year — has invited a total of 35 players, including three goalkeepers, eight defenders, 10 midfielders, and 14 forwards.

All four semi-finalists in Egypt will qualify to represent Africa at this year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup finals, scheduled to take place in Chile from 27th September to 18th October.

35 Flying Eagles 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)

Egypt-bound Flying Eagles return to Abuja to intensify U20 AFCON preparations

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics