Nigeria Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is set to arrive in Egypt to watch two top-performing Flying Eagles stars who were very solid in the group-top-of-the-group cracker with Morocco on Monday.
With the Unity Cup in London fast approaching, Chelle is taking proactive steps to identify fresh talent for the Super Eagles.
The Flying Eagles have made a steady start to the tournament, opening their Group B campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Tunisia, before playing out a frustrating goalless draw against Morocco.
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Nigeria now sits second in the group, level on four points with Morocco but trailing on the number of goals scored.
Their final group stage clash comes against Kenya’s Rising Stars on Wednesday, May 7, with the equation clear — win big and top the group or at the very least avoid a defeat and reach the knockout stages. A victory by at least three goals will likely secure top spot and a potentially more favourable quarter-final opponent.
Chelle’s visit further reinforces the importance of the U20 side as a long-standing feeder team for the Super Eagles. Stars like John Mikel Obi, Victor Osimhen, Taye Taiwo, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Samuel Chukwueze all emerged from the U20 ranks before making their mark at senior level.
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Two of Nigeria’s standout performers at this tournament — Auwal Ibrahim and Daniel Bameyi — have already earned individual recognition, having been named Most Valuable Players in matches against Tunisia and Morocco, respectively.
Flying Eagles captain Bamiyi has been solid for Nigeria in the ongoing U20 AFCON( photo credit: Dagashotz)
The former Mali boss is expected to use the Egypt trip to finalise his provisional squad for the Unity Cup, which kicks off in London from May 27 to 31. Nigeria will face familiar foes Ghana, alongside Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago in what promises to be a spirited mini-tournament. Eric Chelle is also preparing for an international friendly against Russia in June.
The Flying Eagles’ performance against Kenya will not only decide their fate in Egypt but could also shape the future of several young players eyeing promotion to the Super Eagles setup. Nigeria’s U20 side last lifted the AFCON title ten years ago and will hope Chelle’s presence inspires them to reclaim the continental crown.
