Aliyu Zubairu Names Final 24-Man Squad for U-20 AFCON as Flying Eagles Prepare for Egypt Tournament
The squad consists of three goalkeepers, five defenders, six midfielders, and 10 forwards. Harcourt will be joined by Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC) and Soliu Ajia Yakub (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia) as the goalkeepers. Defenders include Bameyi (Bayelsa United), Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors), Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos), Emmanuel Chukwu (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany), and Chigozie Michael Ihejiofor (Katsina United).
In midfield, Zubairu has selected Alabi (El-Kanemi Warriors), Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Uljanik Pula, Croatia), Israel Isaac Ayuma (NK Istra, Croatia), Simon Cletus (Mavlon FC), Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United), and Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists). Upfront, former Beyond Limits striker Arierhi returns from Europe, joined by players like Precious Benjamin (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany), Ezekiel Anthony Kpangu (Inspire FC), Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy), and Clinton Jephta (Enyimba FC).
The team will depart Nigeria for Egypt on Sunday, where they will play friendly matches ahead of their opening match against Tunisia on May 1 in Cairo. The Flying Eagles will then face Morocco on May 4 and complete the group stage against Kenya on May 7.
Nigeria, drawn in Group B alongside Tunisia, Morocco, and Kenya, aims to secure their eighth title at the tournament. The four semi-finalists will also qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, which runs from September 27 to October 19.
