Nigeria’s U-20 male team, the Flying Eagles, has reconvened in Abuja for their final phase of preparations for the CAF WAFU B U-20 Boys’ Cup, which will be played in Ghana from July 10 to 23. The tournament aims to foster regional collaboration and showcase emerging football talent across West Africa, featuring 13 national U-20 teams from WAFU Zones A and B.
After initially suspending their camp due to the tournament’s postponement, the team’s head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, confirmed the resumption of training following the announcement of new dates by the organizers. The camp comprises players who helped Nigeria qualify for the 2025 U-20 World Cup in Chile, as well as a few new additions.
The Flying Eagles are drawn in Group A alongside host nation Ghana and the Benin Republic. Their first match will be against Ghana on July 10, followed by a game against the Benin Republic three days later. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals, setting the stage for an exciting competition.
This tournament serves as valuable preparation for the Flying Eagles’ biggest test this year – the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, from September 27 to October 19. Nigeria will face tough competition in Group F, alongside Colombia, Norway, and Saudi Arabia. The team’s performance in the WAFU B U-20 Boys’ Cup will be crucial in building momentum ahead of the World Cup.
The Flying Eagles qualified for the World Cup by finishing third at the 2025 U-20 AFCON in Egypt, where they scored just four goals from open play. With the World Cup looming, the team will be looking to fine-tune their skills and develop a winning strategy.
As the Flying Eagles prepare to take on the best of West Africa and eventually the world, fans will be eagerly watching their progress. With the right training and mindset, Nigeria’s young footballers have the potential to make a significant impact on the international stage.
