Flying Eagles step up preparations in Abuja ahead of U-20 AFCON in Egypt

Seven-time champions Nigeria have relocated back to the Federal Capital, Abuja, as they intensify preparations for the 24th Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, starting later this month in Egypt.

The team returned to Abuja after a three-week training program in Katsina, where they had camped to acclimatize to the weather, which was found to be similar to that of Côte d’Ivoire—the country originally designated to host the tournament.

With Côte d’Ivoire pulling out as the host nation at the last minute, much to the surprise of the Confederation of African Football and the participating teams, Egypt (the host of the previous edition in 2023) stepped in as the new host.

“We are grateful to His Excellency, Governor Umaru Dikko Radda, for hosting the team for three weeks in Katsina and ensuring that both players and officials trained and camped in a conducive environment. The coaches have had some valuable time to work with the team, and we are now in the final stages of preparation, focusing on tactical and technical formations,” NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said on Wednesday.

“Due to the change in host nation and the difference in weather conditions between Côte d’Ivoire and Egypt, we are considering having the team leave Nigeria early to spend about 10 days in Egypt before the tournament begins.”

The team will train at the FIFA Goal Project training field before departing for Egypt in the coming week.

For the Abuja camp, Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu—who led the team to successfully defend its WAFU B U-20 Championship title in Togo in October last year—has invited a total of 35 players, including three goalkeepers, eight defenders, 10 midfielders, and 14 forwards.

All four semi-finalists in Egypt will qualify to represent Africa at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Chile from September 27 to October 18.