Flying Eagles to resume camp in Abuja ahead of WAFU B tournament

Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, will resume camp in Abuja this weekend as preparations intensify for the rescheduled WAFU B U-20 Boys Championship in Ghana. Head coach Aliyu Zubairu confirmed the development.

The team had previously been in camp in Abuja but was released two weeks ago following the indefinite postponement of the tournament, which was originally scheduled for last month.

With organisers now confirming a new start date of July 10, Zubairu said the team will regroup for the final phase of preparations before departing for Accra.

“We’re bringing the players back to camp this weekend to resume full training. With the new date confirmed, we are focused on getting the boys ready for the task ahead,” Zubairu stated.

Nigeria is drawn in Group A alongside host nation Ghana and Benin Republic, while Group B features Niger, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.

Tournament organisers have also released the fixtures, with the highly anticipated “Jollof Derby” between Ghana and Nigeria set to headline the opening match on July 10 in Accra — a clash that promises fireworks and regional pride.

The Flying Eagles’ second and final group match comes up on July 13 against Benin Republic. Nigeria will then wait until July 16 to determine their semi-final fate when Ghana faces Benin in the final Group A fixture.

To avoid relying on other results, the Flying Eagles must secure back-to-back wins against both Ghana and Benin Republic to top the group and guarantee an automatic place in the semi-finals. Failure to do so could leave their qualification hopes hanging on goal difference or head-to-head results.