The Nigeria U-20 men’s national football team, known as the Flying Eagles, is in the final stages of preparation for the 2024 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship, which is set to begin in Lome, Togo. Arriving in the Togolese capital on Tuesday, the team conducted their first training session on Wednesday morning at the Omnisport Mini Stadium, where they practiced for 90 minutes with the full squad of 20 players present. In a positive update, team media officer Sharif Abdallah confirmed that the medical team had reported no injuries among the players and planned for another training session on Thursday ahead of their first match against Burkina Faso on Friday.
Coach Aliyu Zubair has assembled a squad of 20 players, announced just ahead of their departure, to represent Nigeria in this championship, which serves as a qualifier for the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations. The team’s preparation included a week-long intensive training camp held at the Remo Stars Training Complex in Ikenne, Ogun State, where they focused on honing their skills and team cohesion. The Flying Eagles are the defending champions of the competition, having won the last edition held in the Niger Republic’s capital, Niamey, and they are determined to defend their title.
The Flying Eagles’ group in the tournament features three teams—Burkina Faso and Cote d’Ivoire—as they aim to secure a top position to advance to the semi-finals. Group A consists of the host nation Togo, Ghana, Niger Republic, and Benin Republic. The structure of the tournament emphasizes the importance of each match, particularly as Nigeria hopes to replicate their past success and qualify for the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
In addition to the team’s preparation, they received financial encouragement from Hon. Kunle Soname, the proprietor of Remo Stars and President of the Nigeria Premier Football League club. He pledged a sum of N5 million if the Flying Eagles successfully defend their title in Togo, underscoring the expectations for their performance. Moreover, before leaving the training camp, Soname presented the team with N1 million, further motivating them for the championship ahead.
The squad boasts a diverse selection of players across various positions, combining youth and talent from various local football clubs. Goalkeepers Ifeanyi Harcourt and Nathaniel Nwosu are set to guard the goalposts, while a solid defensive lineup includes players like Adamu Maigari and Daniel Bameyi. The midfield boasts talent such as Raphael Oyebanjo and Nasiru Salihu, providing both creativity and stability. The attacking front features forwards like Divine Oliseh and Clinton Jephta, who are expected to lead the charge in scoring goals for the team.
As the Flying Eagles gear up for their match against Burkina Faso on Friday, the atmosphere within the team is one of optimism and determination. With comprehensive preparations, financial backing, and a strong squad, Nigeria aims not only to win matches but also to reaffirm their place as a dominant force in U-20 football in Africa. The upcoming championship represents significant growth for the players individually and collectively as they seek to showcase their skills on an international stage while striving to secure a spot in the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations next year.
