AFCON U-20: Zubairu beefing up squad with 7 foreign-based players

By Olaolu Joseph

The technical crew of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles has extended their search for quality players beyond the shores of the country to strengthen the squad for the upcoming U-20 African Cup of Nations.

Head coach of the team, Aliyu Zubairu, has invited seven overseas-based players for the final phase of camping in Abuja, as the team intensifies preparations ahead of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The invited foreign-based stars include: Soliu Ajia – Goalkeeper (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia), Emmanuel Chukwu – Midfielder, Benjamin Precious – Defender (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany), and Caleb Ochedikwu – Midfielder (NK Ujanik, Montenegro).

Others are Ibrahim Alam – Forward (Real Valladolid, Spain), Israel Ayuma – Defender (NK Istra, Croatia), and Umar Abubakar – Forward (KAA Gent, Belgium).

These players are expected to add quality, experience, and depth to the squad as Nigeria aims to reclaim continental glory in the U-20 category.

The final squad for the prestigious youth tournament, which will be staged in Egypt later this year, will emerge after the final phase of camping.