Nigeria Flying Eagles Finalize 24-Man Squad for U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt
With the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations just ten days away, head coach Aliyu Zubairu has officially unveiled the final 24-man squad for the Nigeria Flying Eagles, aiming to reclaim continental glory in Egypt. The seven-time African champions and two-time FIFA U20 World Cup runners-up are gearing up for another historic campaign, with the tournament doubling as the qualification route for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
Zubairu’s list features a balanced blend of local talents and Europe-based players, a strategic mix expected to give the Nigeria Flying Eagles a competitive edge in Group B, where they will face Tunisia, Morocco, and Kenya.
Key Names in the Nigeria Flying Eagles Squad
Leading the squad is team captain and defensive stalwart Daniel Bameyi of Bayelsa United. Alongside him is first-choice goalkeeper Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt from Sporting Lagos, whose performances have consistently stood out in domestic competitions.
The attacking department will be spearheaded by Lillestrom SK forward Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi and Enyimba’s dynamic Clinton Jephta. Midfield maestro Sulaiman Alabi Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors) also made the final list, offering creativity and control in the middle of the park.
Another name to watch is Divine Oliseh from Forster Academy, whose standout performance in a recent friendly against Côte d’Ivoire has raised expectations.
Full Nigeria Flying Eagles Squad for Egypt 2025
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)
- 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)
- Sulaiman Alabi Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors)
- Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United)
- Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists)
Forwards:
- Precious Benjamin (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany)
- Ezekiel Anthony Kpangu (Inspire FC)
- Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy)
- Clinton Jephta (Enyimba FC)
- 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)
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Nigeria Flying Eagles 2025 AFCON Group B Fixtures
- Thursday, May 1: Nigeria vs Tunisia – Cairo
- Sunday, May 4: Nigeria vs Morocco – Cairo
- Wednesday, May 7: Nigeria vs Kenya – Cairo
The top four teams from the tournament will represent Africa at the FIFA U20 World Cup scheduled for Chile between September 27 and October 19, 2025. The Nigeria Flying Eagles are no strangers to high-stakes football and are determined to be among the continent’s representatives.
Preparation Matches and Expectations
Before their group opener, the Nigeria Flying Eagles will play two high-intensity friendlies to sharpen tactics, fitness, and squad cohesion. One of the games is expected to be against Egypt’s U20 team, offering a realistic preview of tournament-level competition.
Coach Zubairu is optimistic about the squad’s readiness: “We have a balanced team. The blend of foreign-based and local players gives us a unique advantage. Our aim is to win and qualify for the World Cup. The boys know what’s at stake.”
Spotlight: Emerging Stars of the Nigeria Flying Eagles
- Daniel Bameyi: A natural leader at the back, his command and maturity have drawn comparisons to past greats in Nigerian football.
- Divine Oliseh: An electric presence upfront, Oliseh combines pace with a clinical edge and recently netted a brace in the final preparation match in Abidjan.
- Caleb Ochedikwu & Israel Ayuma: These Croatian-based midfielders are the creative engines and will be key in controlling the tempo of the game.
- Kparobo Arierhi: A rising star from Norway’s Lillestrom SK, Arierhi’s aerial prowess and movement could prove decisive.
Nigeria Flying Eagles’ Legacy in the U20 AFCON
The Nigeria Flying Eagles remain the most successful team in the tournament’s history with seven titles. Their last continental triumph came in 2015. After missing the final in recent editions, there is a renewed drive within the team to restore their status as Africa’s premier youth football side.
Historically, the Nigeria Flying Eagles have also been a launching pad for several Super Eagles stars, including Mikel Obi, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Taiwo Awoniyi. This generation will hope to follow in those illustrious footsteps.
Eyes on Egypt, Dreams of Chile
The stage is set. Coach Aliyu Zubairu and his talented 24-man squad are ready to carry the hopes of a nation. With meticulous preparation, a well-rounded team, and a proud legacy, the Nigeria Flying Eagles are among the favorites in Egypt.
As they prepare to take on Tunisia, Morocco, and Kenya, all eyes will be on Cairo for what promises to be another exciting chapter in the story of the Nigeria Flying Eagles.
Whether it’s the leadership of Bameyi, the creativity of Ochedikwu, or the firepower of Arierhi and Oliseh, Nigeria’s young guns are primed to fly high once again.
