Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have returned to Abuja as they intensify preparations for the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, set to kick off later this month in Egypt.
The team, led by Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu, had spent the last three weeks in Katsina for a training camp aimed at acclimatizing to weather conditions similar to those expected in Cote d’Ivoire—the tournament’s original host. Following Cote d’Ivoire’s late withdrawal, Egypt stepped in as the new host nation.
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, expressed gratitude to Katsina State Governor, Umaru Dikko Radda, for providing a conducive environment during the team’s stay. He confirmed that the Flying Eagles will now focus on technical and tactical refinement in Abuja ahead of their departure for Egypt.
“Due to the change in venue and weather conditions, we’re planning to arrive in Egypt at least 10 days before the tournament begins,” Sanusi stated.
The team will train at the FIFA Goal Project facility in Abuja. A total of 35 players have been invited to camp, including three goalkeepers, eight defenders, 10 midfielders, and 14 forwards.
Nigeria, seven-time champions of the competition, will be aiming to secure one of the four available tickets to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled for 27th September to 18th October.
Full Squad:
- 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 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 Hoffenheim, Germany)
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