Officials have revealed that the Flying Eagles will submit their final 20 man squad tomorrow ahead of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON qualifying tournament in Lome, Togo, which kicks off on October 17. Coach Aliyu Zubairu has been conducting a series of test matches to finalize his squad.
Recent additions to the team include Enugu Rangers’ left-back Kenneth Igboke, who was recently called up by the Super Eagles. Additionally, several promising players from Beyond Limits FA and Sporting Lagos Academy, who made an impression at the recent Gothia Cup in Sweden, are also vying for spots in the final squad.
The Flying Eagles are set to intensify their preparations this week by holding a training camp at the Ikenne base of NPFL club Remo Stars.
Editorial
The Flying Eagles’ upcoming participation in the U20 AFCON qualifiers marks a crucial moment in Nigeria’s youth football development. Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s approach of testing various players through multiple matches reflects his determination to field the best possible squad. The inclusion of Kenneth Igboke, who has already earned attention from the senior national team, speaks to the depth of talent in the squad.
As we anticipate the announcement of the final 20 man team, it’s essential to highlight the significance of nurturing young talents through platforms like this. Players from academies such as Beyond Limits FA and Sporting Lagos have proven their worth, not just domestically but also in international competitions like the Gothia Cup. Their inclusion in the Flying Eagles’ camp underlines the importance of youth development programs in Nigerian football.
The U20 AFCON qualifiers provide a valuable opportunity for these young stars to showcase their abilities on a bigger stage. Success in this tournament could potentially open doors to future national team call ups and international club transfers. However, the Flying Eagles will need to demonstrate cohesion, resilience, and tactical discipline to navigate the challenging qualifying rounds.
We look forward to seeing how the final squad will shape up and, more importantly, how they will perform in Lome.
Did You Know?
- The Flying Eagles are Nigeria’s most successful youth team, having won the U20 AFCON seven times.
- The U20 AFCON serves as a qualifier for the FIFA U20 World Cup, with the top four teams earning spots in the tournament.
- Kenneth Igboke, recently called up to the Flying Eagles, was also part of the Super Eagles training camp earlier this year.
- Nigeria’s youth academies, such as Beyond Limits FA, have produced several players who now play for European clubs.
- The Flying Eagles finished as runners-up twice in the FIFA U20 World Cup, in 1989 and 2005.
