The Flying Eagles have named a provisional 35-man squad for a training camp in Abuja ahead of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON, which kicks off later this month in Egypt. Head coach Aliyu Zubairu is set to trim the list down to 21 players for the final tournament roster, which must be submitted to CAF at least 10 days before the competition begins on April 27 in Cairo.
Nigeria, who finished third in the 2023 edition of the U20 AFCON also held in Egypt will face a stern challenge in Group A, which includes host nation Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa. The top four teams at the tournament will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
Full Flying Eagles Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers:
- Ebenezer Harcourt Sporting Lagos
- Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC)
- Soliu Ajia FK Novi Pazar
Defenders:
- Adewale Quadin Nath Boys
- Afamu Maigari El Kanemi Warriors
- Odinaka Emmanuel Sporting Lagos
- Kenneth Igbokwe (Enugu Rangers)
- Daniel Bamaiyi (Bayelsa United)
- Haruna Aliyu (Wikki Tourist)
- Emmanuel Chukwu (Hoffenheim)
- Chigozie Ihejifor (Katsina United)
Midfielders:
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- Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Ujanik)
- Michael Tunde (Simoiben)
- Sabiu Mohammed (Niger Tornadoes)
- Akin Oluwashile (Water FC)
- Ibrahim Alam (Real Valladolid)
- Israel Ayuma (NK Istra)
- Cletus Simon (Mavlon FC)
- Sulaiman Alabi ‘Jojo’ (El Kanemi Warriors)
- Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United)
- Shafiu Duguri (Wikki Tourist)
- Nasiru Salihu (El Kanemi Warriors)
Forwards:
- Umar Abubakar (KAA Gent B)
- Benjamin Precious (Hoffenheim)
- Anthony Ezekiel (Inspire)
- Otu Joseph (Moralo FC)
- Oliseh Divine (Fosta Academy)
- Adeleke Abdulmuiz (Adoration FC)
- Clinton Jephta (Enyimba)
- Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire)
- Trahir Maigana (Wireless FC)
- Rickson Mendos (Niger Tornadoes)
- Mustapha Umar (Kano Pillars)
- Mathew Kingsley (Kings FC)
- Armiyu Yushua (Katsina United)
Editorial
The Flying Eagles’ 35-man squad for the 2025 U20 AFCON reflects a growing ambition to restore Nigeria’s dominance in youth football. It’s an eclectic mix of local standouts and European-based prospects—underscoring the increasing influence of scouting beyond national borders.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu faces the critical task of trimming this promising group into a lean, effective 21-man unit capable of navigating a treacherous group stage. Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa represent not just continental heavyweights but also tactical and physical hurdles.
What’s promising is the inclusion of players from clubs like Hoffenheim, KAA Gent, and Real Valladolid, suggesting that some of Nigeria’s brightest talents are gaining valuable experience abroad. However, Zubairu must ensure team chemistry, discipline, and structure override hype.
Qualifying for the FIFA U20 World Cup must be the minimum expectation. The Flying Eagles have the pedigree. Now, they must match that with consistency and hunger.
Did You Know?
- Nigeria have won the U20 AFCON seven times—the most by any nation on the continent.
- Emmanuel Chukwu and Benjamin Precious are both teammates at Bundesliga side Hoffenheim’s youth ranks.
- The Flying Eagles last reached the final of the U20 AFCON in 2015, losing 2–0 to Senegal.
- Only four teams from the 2025 U20 AFCON will secure places at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
- Daniel Bamaiyi, a key defender, captained Nigeria during the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup campaign.
