Nigeria’s U-20 national team head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, has unveiled the final 24-man squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, which is set to begin in Egypt in just 10 days. The squad features a blend of home-based players and foreign-based professionals, including several players plying their trade in top European leagues.

In the goalkeeping department, Zubairu has named Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos), Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC), and Soliu Ajia Yakub (FK Novi Pazar) as the custodians of the net for the Flying Eagles.

The defensive lineup includes Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors), Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos), Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United), Emmanuel Chukwu (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim), and Chigozie Michael Ihejiofor (Katsina United), all of whom will be tasked with protecting the goalmouth and ensuring defensive stability during the competition.

In midfield, the coach has called up Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Uljanik Pula, Croatia), Israel Isaac Ayuma (NK Istra), Simon Cletus (Mavlon FC), Sulaiman Alabi Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors), Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United), and Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists) to provide creativity and link-up play between defense and attack.

The forward line includes talented attackers such as Precious Benjamin (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim), 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 Nathaniel Arierhi (Lillestrom SK), Matthew Kingsley (Kings FC), and Yushau Armiyau (Katsina United). These forwards will be expected to provide the attacking firepower needed for the team to challenge for the title.

The squad is scheduled to travel to Egypt in the coming days for a final training camp ahead of the competition. Nigeria, a record seven-time winner of the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, will be aiming to secure an eighth title and a place at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations will also serve as the African qualification tournament for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, with the top four teams guaranteed automatic qualification to the global tournament. The Flying Eagles will be looking to showcase their talent and secure a spot in the prestigious international event.