Nigeria’s U20 national team, the Flying Eagles, have arrived in Accra ahead of the 2024 WAFU B U20 Boys Championship, set to begin on Thursday, July 10. The two-time defending champions are looking to secure a third consecutive title as they open their campaign against fierce rivals and hosts, Ghana.
Head coach Aliyu Zubairu has assembled a 20-man squad that blends experienced names with exciting new talents. The team includes several standout players from the squad that claimed bronze at the Africa U20 Cup of Nations earlier this year in Egypt — earning a spot at the upcoming FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile. Among the returnees are captain Daniel Bameyi, goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, and the midfield trio of Divine Oliseh, Ezekiel Kpangu, and Tahir Maigana.
Fresh faces have also been added to the mix, with Bayelsa United’s Clinton Andy expected to provide goalkeeping competition. Defensive duo Abba Sadiq and Marvelous Freedom, as well as midfield dynamo Abduljelil Kamaldeen and forward pair Imrana Muhammad and Qudus Olayiwola, will be aiming to impress in their first major outing.
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The tournament has reverted to a WAFU B-only format, running from July 10 to 23 in Ghana’s capital. The Flying Eagles headline Group A alongside hosts Ghana and Benin Republic. Nigeria will kick off the tournament at the Prampram Centre in Accra on July 10 at 3pm against Ghana, before facing Benin Republic on July 13.
Flying Eagles head coach Zebairu celebrates be his players
Group B consists of Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, and Togo, with the Ivorians taking on Burkina Faso in the group’s opening fixture. With a winning pedigree and a balanced squad, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will be eyeing another dominant campaign, starting with a statement performance in Thursday’s high-stakes opener against the Black Satellites.
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The Flying Eagles are well-prepared and confident of securing a third consecutive title in the WAFU B U20 tournament. With a strong squad and a winning mentality, they will be looking to make a statement in the tournament and set themselves up for a successful campaign in the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
