Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have touched down in Lomé, Togo, ahead of their much-anticipated opening match against Burkina Faso in the WAFU B U20 Championship, which doubles as a qualifier for the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

The reigning champions, Nigeria, who won the previous edition in Niamey, Niger Republic, have been placed in Group B alongside Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire. Their title defense kicks off on Friday, October 18, when they face Burkina Faso at the Municipal Stadium in Lomé. Three days later, they will battle Côte d’Ivoire at the same venue, with the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals.

Coach Aliyu Zubairu has selected a 20-man squad featuring key players like Bayelsa United’s Daniel Bameyi, Rangers’ Kenneth Igboke, and Mavlon FC’s forward Charles Agada. Unfortunately, 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup standout Daniel Daga will miss out due to passport issues.

In preparation for the tournament, the Flying Eagles had an intensive training camp in Abuja and Remo, securing a 4-1 victory over Seamorrow FC in a friendly. Kunle Soname, the owner of Remo Stars, has further fueled their motivation by promising 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 Bameyi (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), 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 Sapphire FC), Alonge Ibrahim (Central Football Academy), Clinton Jephta (Enyimba)


With their eyes set on securing a place in the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, the Flying Eagles are ready to prove their strength once again on the continental stage.