Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, have officially begun their build-up to the WAFU B U-20 Nations Cup with head coach Aliyu Zubairu leading preparations at their Abuja training base. The tournament, which kicks off on July 10, 2025, in Ghana, serves as a key part of Nigeria’s roadmap to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Zubairu has retained a large chunk of players who represented the country at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations earlier this year. Team insiders say the decision aims to maintain squad chemistry while fine-tuning tactics ahead of the regional showdown.
The Flying Eagles will battle hosts Ghana in their opening Group A fixture on Thursday, July 10, before squaring off against Benin Republic three days later. Both games will be crucial as Nigeria seeks to stamp its authority early in the tournament.
Drawn in a tough group, the Flying Eagles are expected to face stiff opposition from a Ghanaian side eager to impress on home soil. The players are reportedly undergoing double training sessions focusing on endurance, finishing, and tactical discipline.
Group B features Niger Republic, Togo, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso, making this year’s WAFU B Nations Cup one of the most competitive editions in recent years. The top teams from both groups will advance to the knockout stages.
Nigerians are hopeful the Flying Eagles will use the tournament to correct past mistakes and build momentum towards the FIFA U-20 World Cup qualifiers later this year. Several football stakeholders have praised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for keeping faith with Coach Zubairu, known for his tactical flexibility.
As training intensifies, fans eagerly await squad updates and final matchday lineups. The Flying Eagles’ camp remains closed to the public, but media coverage is expected to ramp up as the opening day approaches.
