Nigerian U-20 coach, Aliyu Zubairu, has stressed the importance of his team’s preparation as they gear up for the forthcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Speaking on the team’s readiness, Zubairu acknowledged that team’s level of preparation ahead of the U-20 AFCON was an improvement compared to previous experiences when they went for the WAFU B Tournament in Ghana where Nigeria secured a ticket to the continental youth tournament.
“Our preparation before traveling was a bit below average, but it’s definitely better than what we had before previous matches,” Zubairu told Lagos-based sports radio station, Brila fm.
He recalled the team’s first match against Burkina Faso as a crucial part of their build-up, despite the limitations at the time.
“That match was supposed to be part of our tournament fixtures, but it ended up serving as a pre-tournament warm-up. After that, we picked up momentum and eventually won the trophy.”
This time around, Zubairu is optimistic due to the opportunity to play two friendly matches—even though both are against the same country. “It has given us a clearer sense of direction and better preparation going into the tournament,” he concluded.
Bameyi, Maigari, 21 others picked for U20 Africa Cup of Nations
Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu has selected first-choice goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt, defender and captain Daniel Bameyi, midfielder Sulaiman Alabi Jojo and forward Kparobo Arierhi among a squad of 24 for this year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations taking place in Egypt. The tournament gets underway in 10 days.
Defenders Adamu Maigari and Emmanuel Chukwu (based in Germany), midfielders Caleb Ochedikwu (based in Croatia) and Simon Cletus, and forwards Clinton Jephta, Divine Oliseh and Precious Benjamin (based in Germany) are also picked.
The seven-time African champions and two-time World Cup runners-up will depart the shores of Nigeria for Egypt on Sunday, where they are expected to play a couple of friendly matches before their opening match of the competition against Tunisia in Cairo on Thursday, 1st May.
Three days after the clash with the Tunisians, the Flying Eagles will take the pitch against Morocco (also in Cairo) before rounding off their group phase experience against Kenya on Wednesday, 7th May. All four semi-finalists at the tournament in Egypt will fly Africa’s flag at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, 27th September – 19th October.
24 FLYING EAGLES 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).
Culled from The Nation
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