Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have landed in Lomé, Togo, ahead of their highly anticipated opener against Burkina Faso in the WAFU B U20 Championship, Soccernet.ng reports.
The competition, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, sees Nigeria in Group B alongside Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire.
The Flying Eagles are the reigning champions, having lifted the trophy in Niamey, Niger Republic, during the last edition.
Their campaign to defend the title kicks off on Friday, October 18, when they face Burkina Faso at the Municipal Stadium in Lomé. Three days later, they will take on Côte d’Ivoire at the same venue.
The top two teams from the group will secure a place in the semi-finals, inching closer to a spot in next year’s continental showdown.
Nigeria’s head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, has carefully selected a 20-man squad, including standouts such as Bayelsa United’s Daniel Bameyi, Rangers’ Kenneth Igboke, and forward Charles Agada of Mavlon FC.
However, the team will be without 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup star Daniel Daga, who has been replaced due to passport issues.
In preparation for the tournament, the Flying Eagles had an intensive camp in Abuja and Remo, playing test matches, including a 4-1 win over Seamorrow FC.
With high expectations, Remo Stars owner Kunle Soname has promised N5 million if the team successfully defends its title.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles 20-man squad
Goalkeepers: Harcourt Ebenezar Ifeanyi (Sporting Lagos), Nwosu Nathaniel Ikechukwu (Nasarawa United)
Defenders: Adamu Maigari Bajibir (El Kanemi), Daniel Bamayi (Bayelsa United), Kenneth Obinna Igboke (Enugu Rangers), Haruna Aliyu (Doma United), Musa Adamu (Wireless), Alabi Sulyman Olalekan (El-Kanemi Warriors)
Midfielders: Raphael Oyebanjo (Shuffle), Muhammad Sabiu Ibrahim (Niger Tornadoes), Musa Akinfenwa (Real Sapphire), Muhammad Sabiu Ibrahim (Niger Tornadoes), Israel Ayuma (NK Istra/Croatia, Nasiru Salihu (El-Kanemi)
Attackers: Oliseh Divine (Forster FA), Charles Agada (Mavlon FC), Kparabo Arieri (Beyond Limits), Amole Bidemi Olalekan (Real Saphire FC), Alonge Ibrahim (Central Football Academy), Clinton Jephta (Enyimba)