Nigeria Names Squad for U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Eyes Continental Title
Nigeria has officially announced its 21-man squad for the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations, set to begin in Senegal on March 8. Head coach Manu Garba is aiming high, with his sights firmly set on capturing the continental crown.
Garba, who led Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets to U17 World Cup glory in the United Arab Emirates in 2013, will rely on a core group of players from that championship-winning side. Among them is defender Musa Muhammed, who captained the team to success and is expected to play a key leadership role in Senegal.
Other notable returnees from that U17 triumph include goalkeeper Dele Alampasu, midfielder Akinjide Idowu, and striker Taiwo Awoniyi — all of whom have since gained valuable experience at both club and international youth levels. Midfielders Abdullahi Alfa and Izuchukwu Omego, as well as attacker Chidera Ezeh, also return as Nigeria looks to translate U17 success into U20 dominance.
Speaking to the press, coach Garba made no secret of his ambition: “We are going to Senegal to win the trophy. We respect our opponents, but our focus is on returning to Nigeria as champions.”
Nigeria has been drawn into Group A, where they will face hosts Senegal, as well as Congo and Ivory Coast. Group B features Ghana, Mali, South Africa, and Zambia, setting the stage for a competitive tournament. The four semi-finalists will secure qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in New Zealand from May 30 to June 20, 2015.
The Flying Eagles — as Nigeria’s U20 team is popularly known — have a proud history in the competition. They are record six-time champions and are widely tipped as one of the favourites again this year.
Full Nigeria U20 Squad:
Goalkeepers: Joshua Enaholo, Dele Alampasu, Olorunleke Ojo
Defenders: Musa Muhammed, Mustapha Abdullahi, Saheed AbdulGaniyu, Samuel Okon
Midfielders: Akinjide Idowu, Izuchukwu Omego, Abdullahi Alfa, Saleh Usman, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Obinna Nwobodo, Ifeanyi Mathew, Alhassan Ibrahim
Forwards: Bernard Bulbwa, Christian Pyagbara, Taiwo Awoniyi, Chidera Ezeh, Bello Zaharadeen, Wasiu Jimoh
With a strong blend of experience, talent, and cohesion, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles enter the tournament as one of the teams to watch. Their opening match will be a key test of their title credentials — and a chance to begin their journey back to global football’s youth stage.
