Seven-time champions Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have returned to Abuja to intensify preparations ahead of the 24th Africa U20 Cup of Nations, set to kick off later this month in Egypt.
The team relocated to the Federal Capital Territory following a three-week training camp in Katsina, which was originally chosen for its climate similarities with Cote d’Ivoire — the country initially slated to host the tournament. However, with Cote d’Ivoire’s sudden withdrawal, Egypt, host of the 2023 edition, was announced as the new venue.
“We are grateful to His Excellency, Governor Umaru Dikko Radda, for hosting the team in Katsina and ensuring the players and officials were well catered for in a conducive training environment,” said Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, on Wednesday.
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“With the change in host country and the different weather conditions between Cote d’Ivoire and Egypt, we are now planning for the team to arrive in Egypt early, about 10 days before the tournament starts,” he added.
The team will now use the FIFA Goal Project pitch in Abuja for their final phase of training before departure to Egypt in the coming week.
Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu, who guided Nigeria to successfully defend the WAFU B U20 Championship title in Togo last October, has called up 35 players to camp — comprising three goalkeepers, eight defenders, 10 midfielders, and 14 forwards — as the final squad selection nears.
Nigeria will be hoping to add an eighth continental title when the competition kicks off in Egypt. More importantly, the top four teams from the tournament will qualify to represent Africa at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup, scheduled to hold in Chile from 27th September to 18th October.
