Nigeria’s U20s Turn Focus to Final Tactical Drills After Katsina Weather Camp
As the countdown to the 24th Africa U20 Cup of Nations intensifies, seven-time champions Nigeria have returned to Abuja after a rigorous three-week training camp in Katsina, shifting gears into the final lap of their preparations for the continental showdown in Egypt.
Originally set for Côte d’Ivoire, the tournament’s hosting rights were abruptly transferred to Egypt, forcing the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to recalibrate logistics and training plans.
With Egypt’s weather posing a different challenge from Côte d’Ivoire’s, Sanusi revealed plans to fly the team to Egypt 10 days before kickoff for acclimatization.
35-Man Flying Eagles Provisional List for Abuja Camp Revealed
Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu, who steered the Flying Eagles to back-to-back WAFU B U20 Championship titles in October 2024, has invited 35 players to camp in Abuja. The squad features a blend of domestic talents and foreign-based prospects.
Goalkeepers:
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Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos)
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Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC)
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Soliu Ajia (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia)
Defenders:
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Adewale Quadri (Nath Boys Academy)
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Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors)
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Odinaka Okoro Emmanuel (Sporting Lagos)
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Kenneth Igboke (Enugu Rangers)
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Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United)
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Haruna Aliyu (Wikki Tourists)
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Chukwu Emmanuel (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany)
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Chigozie Michael Ihejiofor (Katsina United)
Midfielders:
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Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Ujanik, Croatia)
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Michael Tunde (Simon Ben FC)
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Sabiu Mohammed (Niger Tornadoes)
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Akinniran Oluwashile (Water FC)
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Ibrahim Alani (Real Valladolid, Spain)
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Ayuma Isaac Israel (NK Istra, Croatia)
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Cletus Simon (Mavlon FC)
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Sulaiman Alabi Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors)
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Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United)
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Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists)
Forwards:
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Umar Abubakar (KAA Gent, Belgium)
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Anthony Ezekiel (Inspire FC)
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Otu Joseph (Mavlon FC)
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Nasiru Salihu (El-Kanemi Warriors)
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Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy)
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Adeleke Abdulmuiz (Adoration FC)
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Clinton Jephta (Enyimba FC)
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Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire FC)
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Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC)
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Rickson Mendos (Niger Tornadoes)
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Mustapha Umar (Kano Pillars)
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Kingsley Matthew (Kings FC)
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Armiyau Yusha’u (Katsina United)
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Benjamin Precious (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany)
Road to Egypt – And Beyond
The Flying Eagles will utilize the FIFA Goal Project pitch in Abuja before jetting out to North Africa.
Their mission is clear: win a record-extending eighth U20 AFCON title and book one of the four African tickets to the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled for September 27 to October 18.
With talent depth, tactical groundwork, and early acclimatization in place, Coach Zubairu’s Eagles are aiming to fly high again.
