Flying Eagles Name Final 24-Man Squad for 2025 U-20 AFCON, Retain Key Stars
As the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations draws near, Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has unveiled his final 24-man squad for the tournament, staying true to a core of trusted performers while blending in international experience.
Among the notable inclusions are Captain Daniel Bameyi, the industrious Sulaiman Alabi Jojo, and lethal forwards Kparobo Arierhi and Clinton Jephta, all of whom have played key roles in Nigeria’s journey to the tournament.
The squad features a mix of local league standouts and rising international talents, including Emmanuel Chukwu (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany), Caleb Ochedikwu (Croatia), and Kparobo Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway). This balance may prove vital as the Flying Eagles prepare to do battle in Group B against Tunisia, Kenya, and Morocco.
Zubairu’s men will jet out to Cairo on Sunday, where they’ll undergo final preparations ahead of their opening match against Tunisia on May 1st. Morocco awaits three days later, before a group-stage finale against Kenya on May 7th.
🗣️ Opinion: Flying Eagles’ Squad Looks Promising — But Can They Go All the Way?
Coach Zubairu’s selection shows he’s betting on continuity and cohesion, which is smart. The inclusion of players like Bameyi, Jephta, and Jojo ensures leadership and familiarity within the squad. But it’s the exciting foreign-based names like Chukwu and Arierhi that inject the kind of flair and international pedigree Nigeria needs to compete at the highest level.
This Flying Eagles team is brimming with potential — on paper, they have the weapons to challenge anyone. The big question is: will this translate into dominance on the pitch?
Group B isn’t a walk in the park. Tunisia and Morocco are tactically sound, while Kenya could pose a physical test. But with Nigeria’s deep talent pool and attacking firepower, fans have every reason to be optimistic.
If Zubairu can get the balance right between structure and expression, and if key players stay injury-free, Nigeria might just be eyeing their next U-20 title.
Let the countdown begin. 🇳🇬🔥
📝 Full Flying Eagles Squad for 2025 AFCON:
🔒 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 Hoffenheim, Germany)
Chigozie 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 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 Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway)
Matthew Kingsley (Kings FC)
Yushau Armiyau (Katsina United)
🇳🇬⚽ Can the Flying Eagles bring glory back home? Let’s hear your predictions!