Flying Eagles U-20 AFCON preparations intensify. Camp resumes in Abuja, following a mixed-result tour of Ivory Coast, as they eye qualification
[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igeria’s Flying Eagles will reconvene in Abuja on Monday, March 10, to resume their training camp as they prepare for the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
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The seven-time African champions are currently on a nine-day break following their recent two-match tour of Ivory Coast.
Aliyu Zubairu’s team experienced mixed fortunes during their friendly matches against the Young Elephants.
They secured a 2-0 victory in the first match, with goals from captain Daniel Bameyi (penalty) and forward Divine Oliseh.
However, Ivory Coast responded with a 2-0 win in the second encounter at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny.
The Flying Eagles team administrator travelled to Abidjan for the friendlies after the cancellation of planned games against Egypt.
The Egypt matches were cancelled due to both teams being drawn in Group B of the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, alongside Morocco and South Africa.
This group promises to be a challenging one for Nigeria, as they compete for qualification in the tournament, scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast from April 26 to May 18. The top two teams from each group will automatically advance to the quarter-finals.
With a 13-team final tournament, comprised of three pools and a five-team Group A, the top two teams from the other groups will qualify for the last eight, along with the two best third-placed finishers.
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The Flying Eagles entered the friendlies with positive memories against the Young Elephants, having defeated them 2-1 in a group stage match at the WAFU B U-20 Championship in Togo last October. That victory propelled the team to the semi-finals, which they eventually won.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
