Shola Adelani, the in-form midfielder of Ikorodu City Football Club, has received a call-up to the Nigerian national U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, as they prepare for a tour of Egypt later this month. Adelani’s impressive performance in the Nigeria Premier Football League, with seven goals so far this season, including five in his last five games, has earned him a spot in the 30-man squad selected by head coach Aliyu Zubairu. The team will play two friendly matches in Cairo on February 25 and 27 as part of their preparations for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This tournament, scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast from April 26 to May 15, serves as a qualifier for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile in 2025.
The Flying Eagles’ squad features a mix of promising young talents from various clubs across Nigeria. Three goalkeepers – Ifeanyi Harcourt (Sporting Lagos), Light Emerenonye (Diamond Academy), and Abubakar Rufai (Mavlon FC) – will compete for the starting position. The defensive line is bolstered by players like Daniel Bameyi of Bayelsa United and Kenneth Igboke of Rangers International. The midfield includes the newly called-up Shola Adelani, while the attacking force features players like El-Kanemi Warriors trio Adamu Maigari, Nasiru Salihu, and Sulaimon Alabi, along with Enyimba striker Clinton Jephta. This balanced squad reflects the coach’s intention to build a competitive team for the upcoming challenges.
The Egypt tour represents a crucial stage in the Flying Eagles’ preparations for the U-20 AFCON. The two friendly matches will provide valuable opportunities for the team to fine-tune their strategies, assess player combinations, and build team cohesion. The experience of playing against international competition will be invaluable for the young players as they aim to represent Nigeria on the continental stage. The technical team will use these matches to evaluate the players’ performance and make necessary adjustments to the squad before the final tournament.
Nigeria has a rich history in the U-20 AFCON, having won the championship seven times – in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2011, and 2015. The Flying Eagles will be aiming to add another title to their impressive record and secure their spot in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Their qualification for the AFCON was secured after winning the WAFU-B U20 Championship in Lome, Togo, in October last year, defeating Ghana’s Black Satellites 3-1 in the final. This victory served as a confidence booster for the team and demonstrated their potential on the regional stage.
The ultimate goal for the Flying Eagles is to qualify for and perform well in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. Nigeria has twice been runners-up in the tournament, in 1989 and 2005, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level of youth football. They also narrowly missed the semi-finals in the last edition in Argentina, losing to South Korea in extra time. The team is determined to build on their past achievements and strive for success on the global stage. The players are aware of the high expectations placed on them and are eager to make their mark in Chile.
The upcoming months are crucial for the Flying Eagles as they embark on their journey towards the U-20 AFCON and the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The Egypt tour, the subsequent training camps, and the final tournament itself will test the players’ skills, resilience, and teamwork. The coaching staff will play a vital role in guiding the team, fostering a positive environment, and instilling the winning mentality necessary to achieve their ambitious goals. The nation will be watching closely as these young talents strive to uphold Nigeria’s proud footballing tradition and bring glory to their country.
