Flying Eagles Call Up Chelsea, Ipswich Midfielders for Egypt Friendlies

Chelsea academy product Dubem Eze and Ipswich Town U21 midfielder Abube Onuchukwu have received their first call-ups to Nigeria’s U20 national team, the Flying Eagles, ahead of a two-legged friendly against Egypt later this month.

Nigeria, a seven-time U20 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON champion, will face Egypt on February 25 and 27 in Cairo. Both midfielders, who recently committed their international futures to Nigeria over England, will report to camp on February 23 at the Egyptian National Team Hotel in Cairo’s FIFAGoal Project area.

Eze, who spent eight years at Chelsea, is an attacking midfielder with the versatility to operate as a winger on either flank. Meanwhile, Onuchukwu is a left-footed player capable of playing as a central midfielder, left midfielder, or left centre-back.

Both players will aim to impress Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu as they seek spots in Nigeria’s final squad for the 2025 U20 AFCON.

Editorial

The inclusion of Dubem Eze and Abube Onuchukwu in the Flying Eagles squad highlights Nigeria’s growing efforts to secure top dual-national talents before they commit to other nations. As football becomes increasingly globalized, securing players with Nigerian heritage early in their careers has become essential for long-term national team success.

This call-up is particularly significant given that both Eze and Onuchukwu were eligible to represent England. Their decision to play for Nigeria reflects the growing appeal of the Super Eagles and youth national teams, which now offer a clear pathway to international recognition and potential senior team opportunities.

We believe this approach is the right step forward for Nigerian football. In the past, Nigeria has lost key players to European national teams due to a lack of strategic planning. Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori, and Eberechi Eze are examples of Nigerian-eligible players who chose England after failing to receive early call-ups from Nigeria. By integrating promising youngsters into the Flying Eagles, the Nigeria Football Federation NFF can ensure a stronger talent pipeline for the Super Eagles in the coming years.

Beyond their talent, these players bring European football experience, which can help elevate the overall technical level of the squad. Eze’s time at Chelsea’s academy and Onuchukwu’s development in the English Championship system will introduce tactical discipline and competitive exposure that could benefit Nigeria’s youth teams.

Looking ahead, we encourage the NFF and Flying Eagles coaching staff to continue scouting and engaging Nigerian-eligible players worldwide. This proactive approach will not only strengthen the national team’s depth but also ensure Nigeria remains competitive on the global stage.

Did You Know?

1. Dubem Eze trained at Chelsea’s Cobham Academy, the same development centre that produced stars like Mason Mount and Reece James.
2. Abube Onuchukwu has been a key player for Ipswich Town’s U21 squad, showcasing his versatility across multiple positions.
3. The Flying Eagles have won the U20 AFCON a record seven times, making them one of the most successful teams in African youth football.
4. Nigeria has produced some of the world’s best youth talents, including Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Osimhen, and John Obi Mikel, all of whom starred at youth tournaments before becoming Super Eagles regulars.
5. The 2025 U20 AFCON will serve as a qualification tournament for the FIFA U20 World Cup, making these friendlies crucial for Nigeria’s preparation.