Seven stars abroad highlight the provisional team of 35 men from Flying Eagles for 2025 U-20 AFCON

Flying Eagles chief coach Aliyu Zubairu has announced a provisional team of 35 men for the Sub-20 Cup of Africa (AFCON) 2025, with seven talents abroad invited to reinforce the ambitions of the title of Nigeria.

The tournament, which will begin on April 27 in Cairo, Egypt, will see Nigeria chasing an eighth continental title, and coach Zubairu seems to be supported both in the national form and in the international experience to build a competitive team.

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Among the outstanding inclusions abroad are Emmanuel Chukwu and Benjamin precious on the German side of the Bundesliga Tsg Hoffenheim.

The duo, known for its tactical consciousness and physical presence, brings first -level European experience to the Nigerian configuration.

He is also winning a call Umar Abubakar, a striker with the Belgian club Kaa Gent. His clinical finish and movement in the final third have made him one of the brightest perspectives of Nigeria’s U-20 abroad.

Another promising addition is Ibrahim Alam del Real Valladolid in Spain, whose creativity and vision in the center of the field could be crucial during the tournament.

Israel Ayuma, with Croatian headquarters (NK Istra) and Caleb Ohedikwu (NK UJANIK, Montenegro) add depth to the center of the field, while Soliu Ajia of FK Novi Pázar in Serbia strengthens the goalkeeper options with his European experience.

The selections of coach Zubairu reflect a deliberate effort to combine local talents with European -based players, with the aim of creating a balanced and high performance unit.

Many of the guest players also played a key role in the victorious campaign of the B of Wafu in Nigeria in Togo, where the team recovered from an early defeat to defeat Ghana in the final.

Returning from that winning team of the title are the captain of the team Daniel Bamaiyi (Bayelsa United), Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos) and Sulaiman Alabi ‘Jojo’ (Warriors El-Kanemi), adding leadership and continuity to the group.

The team includes 3 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 11 midfielders and 13 strikers. The final list of 21 men will confirm at least 10 days before the tournament begins.

With a mixture of local league stars and professionals based in Europe, the Flying Eagles, seven times AFCon U-20 champions, will not only point to the continental glory but will also seek the qualification for the FIFA U-20 2025 World Cup.

Complete provisional squad

Porters:
RUFAI ABUBAKAR (Mavlon FC)
SOLIU AJIA (FK Novi Pázar, Serbia)
Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos)

Defensores:
Emmanuel Chukwu (Tsg Hoffenheim, Germany)
Kenneth Igbokwe (ENUGU Rangers)
Daniel Bamaiyi (Bayelsa United)
ADEWALE QUADIN (NATH BOYS)
Afamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors)
Odinaka Emmanuel (Sporting Lagos)
Chigozie Ihejifor (Katsina United)
Haruna Aliyu (Wikki tourists)

Midfielders:
Michael Tunde (Simoiben)
Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United)
Akin Oluwashile (Water FC)
Israel Ayuma (Nk Istra, Croatia)
Cletus Simon (Mavlon FC)
Caleb Ohedikwu (NK UJANIK, Montenegro)
Ibrahim Alam (Real Valladolid, Spain)
Sulaiman Alabi ‘Jojo’ (warriors el-kanemi)
Shafiu Duguri (Wikki tourists)
Nasiru Salihu (warriors el-kanemi)
Sabiu Mohammed (Niger Tornados)

Forwards:
Adeke Abdulmuiz (worship FC)
Armiyu Yushua (Katsina United)
Mustapha Umar (Kano pillars)
Anthony Ezequiel (Inspire FC)
Otu Joseph (MORALO FC)
Oliseh Divine (FOSTA ACADEMY)
Clinton Jephta (Enyimba)
Bidemi Amole (real sapphire)
Umar Abubakar (Kaa Gent, Belgium)
Trahir Maigana (Wireless FC)
Rickson Mendos (Niger Tornados)
Mathew Kingsley (Kings FC)
Benjamin Priceus (Tsg Hoffenheim, Germany)

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