Nigeria’s U20 national team, the Flying Eagles, touched down in Abidjan on Tuesday morning ahead of their highly anticipated double-header against the Ivorian U20 side.
Led by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) executive member Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, the 21-man squad is set to face the Young Elephants in two friendly encounters aimed at strengthening their squad for future competitions.
The first match is scheduled for Wednesday at the iconic Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny, with kick-off at 3:30 p.m. local time (4:30 p.m. Nigerian time), followed by a second clash at the same venue on Friday.
Head coach Aliyu Zubairu has assembled a blend of experience and emerging talent, with team captain Daniel Bameyi from Bayelsa United leading the charge.
The defensive line will be anchored by Haruna Aliyu of Wikki Tourists and Emmanuel Okoro from Sporting Lagos, while Ifeanyi Harcourt, also of Sporting Lagos, is set to guard the posts as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.
In midfield, Cletus Simon of Mavlon FC is expected to dictate the tempo alongside Kingsley Matthew from Kings FC and the dynamic Mohammed Sabiu Ibrahim from Niger Tornadoes.
The attacking front will see Olalekan Sulaiman Alabi of El-Kanemi Warriors and Enyimba FC’s Clinton Japhet spearheading the quest for goals.
Speaking ahead of the matches, coach Zubairu emphasized the importance of these fixtures in building cohesion and identifying key players for upcoming tournaments.
“These games are more than just friendlies—they are opportunities for us to fine-tune the team and see how the boys respond under pressure,” he stated.
The Flying Eagles, seven-time African U20 champions, are using the friendlies as part of their preparation for future continental and global tournaments.
The matches will serve as a litmus test for the squad’s depth and tactical readiness.
Ivory Coast’s U20 side, known for their aggressive style and technical prowess, are expected to provide a stern challenge.
The Young Elephants will be eager to assert their dominance on home soil, setting the stage for an exciting double-header.
The full Flying Eagles squad for the friendlies includes:
Goalkeepers:
- Ifeanyi Harcourt (Sporting Lagos)
- Abubakar Rufai (Mavlon FC)
Defenders:
- Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors)
- Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United)
- Emmanuel Okoro (Sporting Lagos)
- Haruna Aliyu (Wikki Tourists)
- Babatunde Jimoh Faruq
- Stephen Jolomi (Mavlon FC)
Midfielders:
- Kingsley Matthew (Kings FC)
- Gbolahan Ajisafe Wasiu (Smart City)
- Anthony Ezekiel
- Mohammed Sabiu Ibrahim (Niger Tornadoes)
- Olalekan Sulaiman Alabi (El-Kanemi Warriors)
- Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists)
- Cletus Simon (Mavlon FC)
- Nasiru Salihu (El-Kanemi Warriors)
Forwards:
- Bidemi Olalekan Amole (Real Sapphire Academy)
- Clinton Japhet (Enyimba FC)
- Abdulmuiz Adeleke (Adoration FC)
- Divine Oliseh (Fostar Academy)
- Ayomide Muftau Mubarak
As the Flying Eagles prepare for Wednesday’s opener, Nigerian fans will be eager to see the next generation of talent showcase their skills on the international stage.
With pride and momentum at stake, the team will be looking to make a strong statement in Abidjan.
