As anticipation builds across West Africa, Nigeria’s U20 national team, the Flying Eagles, have landed in Accra, Ghana, fully focused on defending their WAFU B U20 title. Under the guidance of head coach Aliyu Zubairu, the team is eyeing a third consecutive championship in a tournament that has become a proving ground for Nigeria’s emerging football stars.
The 2024 WAFU B U20 Boys Tournament, which was initially planned as a broader event involving teams from WAFU A and B zones, has now reverted to a WAFU B-only competition. The tournament will take place from July 10 to 23 at the Prampram Centre in Ghana’s capital, Accra.
Coach Zubairu has named a formidable 20-man squad, mixing experience with fresh talent. Captain Daniel Bameyi, a key figure in Nigeria’s third-place finish at the 2024 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, leads the team. The core also includes goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt and defenders like Odinaka Okoro, alongside creative midfielders such as Bidemi Amole and Divine Oliseh.
Fresh faces have been added to inject energy into the side. Bayelsa United’s Clinton Andy joins in goal, while the likes of Marvellous Freedom from Ikorodu City and Abduljelil Kamaldeen from Kwara Football Academy bolster the defense and midfield, respectively. Forwards Imrana Muhammad and Qudus Olayiwola will be looking to make their mark up front.
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Nigeria begins its title defense in Group A with a blockbuster opener against hosts Ghana on Thursday, July 10, at 3:00 PM. The second group game is a showdown against Benin Republic on Sunday, July 13. Group B features Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic and Togo.
The Flying Eagles have won the last two editions of the WAFU B U20 Championship, hosted in Niger Republic and Togo, and are hungry for a historic third. With the FIFA U20 World Cup on the horizon, this tournament is more than just regional bragging rights—it’s a crucial step in preparing Nigeria’s next generation for the global stage.
Flying Eagles Squad List – WAFU B U20 Ghana 2024
Goalkeepers:
- Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos)
- Clinton Andy (Bayelsa United)
Defenders:
- Abba Sadiq (Niger Tornadoes)
- Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos)
- Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United)
- Akinniran Oluwashile (Water FC)
- Ahmed Akinyele (Remo Stars)
- Marvelous Freedom (Ikorodu City)
Midfielders:
- Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy)
- Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire FC)
- Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC)
- Ezekiel Kpangu (Inspire Academy)
- Rawa Mohammed (Beyond Limits)
- Matthew Kingsley (Kings FC)
- Abduljelil Kamaldeen (Kwara Football Academy)
- Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists)
Forwards:
- Abdullahi Muhammed (Kwara United)
- Godday Otalyul-Imbus (Calabar Rovers)
- Imrana Muhammad (Mavlon FC)
- Qudus Olayiwola (P Sport FC)
Picture Credit: Super Eagles Media Hub Facebook Page
