- Nigeria's Flying Eagles have boosted their squad with seven Europe-based players ahead of the U20 AFCON tournament in Egypt.
- The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed the additions, including talents from Hoffenheim, Real Valladolid, and KAA Gent.
- Notably, the players spent three weeks in Katsina to acclimate to the climate, similar to that of the original host country.
In a move to improve their preparation ahead of the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, Nigeria's Flying Eagles have extended invitations to seven Europe-based players for the final phase of camping.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the development on Thursday, April 10, showing the team’s intent to blend local grit with international experience in their quest for continental dominance.
Among the fresh call-ups were Serbian-based defender Soliu Ajia of FK Novi Pazar, Hoffenheim’s dynamic duo Chukwu Emmanuel and Benjamin Precious, and Caleb Ochedikwu of Croatian side NK Ujanik. Also making the list were Real Valladolid’s Ibrahim Alani, NK Istra’s Ayuma Isaac Israel, and KAA Gent’s Umar Abubakar.
All seven players are expected to report to the team’s Abuja camp, where preparations were continuing in earnest following a three-week stint in Katsina. Katsina had been selected due to its climate, which closely resembled that of Côte d'Ivoire, the original host of the tournament.
However, the Ivorian withdrawal triggered a swift reshuffle, with Egypt stepping in to host the biennial showpiece once again.
Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu, who masterminded Nigeria’s successful WAFU B title defence in Togo last year, has called up 35 players for this critical phase. The list comprises three goalkeepers, eight defenders, ten midfielders, and 14 forwards, a blend of tactical flexibility and offensive depth.
The squad is currently stationed at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja and is expected to depart for Egypt within the week. Nigeria, seven-time champions of the U20 AFCON, are eyeing an unprecedented eighth title.
But more than that, a semi-final finish is non-negotiable, as it guarantees qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile scheduled for September to October 2025.
The addition of players with European training and match exposure is seen as a strategy to help the squad’s experience and international readiness. The Flying Eagles’ camp now exudes optimism, as the team enters its final preparatory stages for what could be another historic tournament.
“I felt nothing,” Nigerian striker Dessers opens up on how he struggled mentally
Previously, TheRadar reported that Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers had lifted the lid on his struggle with mental health during his stint at Feyenoord in the Eredivisie.
Dessers faced a barrage of criticism in his early days as he struggled to adapt to the demands of Scottish football following his £4.5 million move from Italy. This period led him to seek the guidance of a psychologist to help navigate the emotional toll that comes with the ups and downs of football.
