By Muhyideen Jimoh
Head coach of U-20 National Team, Flying Eagles, Aliy Zubairu, has unveiled a 24-man squad for the upcoming U-20 AFCON in Egypt.
The 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will take place from April 27 to May 18.
Zubairu named first-choice goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt, defender and captain Daniel Bameyi, midfielder Sulaiman Alabi and forward Kparobo Arierhi in the squad.
The squad is a blend of home based and foreign players who have intensified training in Abuja ahead of the tournament.
Some of the top foreign based players invited include; Emmanuel Chukwu, Precious Benjamin all of German outfit TSG Hoffenheim and Kparobo Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway).
Flying Eagles, who are seven-time African champions and two-time FIFA Under-20 World Cup runners-up, will depart Nigeria on Sunday for Cairo in a bid to clinch an eighth continental title.
The team is scheduled to play series of warm-up matches in Egypt before their group opener Tunisia 0n May 1.
They will then face Morocco on May 4, followed by a clash against Kenya on May 7 to wrap up the group games.
Report says, the top four teams from the tournament will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile slated for Sept. 27 to Oct. 19.
Full Squad, Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC); Soliu Ajia Yakub (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia)
Defenders: Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United).
Others are; Emmanuel Chukwu (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Chigozie Michael Ihejiofor (Katsina United).
Midfielders: Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Uljanik Pula, Croatia); Israel Isaac Ayuma (NK Istra, Croatia); Simon Cletus (Mavlon FC).
Others are; Sulaiman Alabi (El-Kanemi Warriors); Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United); Shafiu Duguri (Wikki Tourists)
Forwards: Precious Benjamin (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Ezekiel Anthony Kpangu (Inspire FC); Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy); Clinton Jephta (Enyimba FC);
Others are; Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire FC); Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC); Theophilus Mendos Rickson (Niger Tornadoes); Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway); Matthew Kingsley (Kings FC); Yushau Armiyau (Katsina United).
