Seven-time
champions Nigeria have relocated back to the Federal Capital, Abuja as they
intensify preparations for the 24th Africa U20 Cup of Nations
starting later this month in Egypt.
The contingent
returned to Abuja after a three-week training programme in Katsina, where they
had gone to camp in order to feel the weather which was found to be the same
with that of Cote d’Ivoire – the country originally designated to host the
tournament. With Cote d’Ivoire pulling out as host nation in the last hour, to
the consternation of the Confederation of African Football and the
participating teams, Egypt (host of the last edition in 2023) stepped in as
hosts.
“We are grateful
to His Excellency, Governor Umaru Dikko Radda for hosting the team for three
weeks in Katsina and making sure players and officials trained and camped in a
conducive environment. The coaches have had some useful time to work on the
team and it is now down to the final stages of preparation where the ascent
will be on tactical and technical formations.
“At the moment,
due to the change of host nation, and the difference in weather conditions
between Cote d’Ivoire and Egypt, we are looking at the team leaving Nigeria
early to spend about 10 days in Egypt before the commencement of the
tournament,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said on Wednesday.
The team will make
use of the FIFA Goal Project training field for training sessions before
departing for Egypt in the next one week.
For the purpose of
the camping in Abuja, Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu – who led the team to
successfully defend its WAFU B U20 Championship gong 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 this year’s FIFA
U20 World Cup finals scheduled for Chile, 27th September – 18th October.
35 FLYING
EAGLES FOR CAMPING IN ABUJA:
Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Rufai
Abubakar (Mavlon FC); Soliu Ajia (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia)
Defenders: Adewale Quadri (Nath Boys Academy); Adamu Maigari
(El-Kanemi Warriors); Odinaka Okoro Emmanuel (Sporting Lagos); Kenneth Igboke
(Enugu Rangers); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Haruna Aliyu (Wikki Tourists);
Chukwu Emmanuel (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Chigozie Michael Ihejiofor
(Katsina United)
Midfielders: Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Ujanik, Croatia); Michael Tunde
(Simon Ben FC); Sabiu Mohammed (Niger Tornadoes); Akinniran Oluwashile (Water
FC); Ibrahim Alani (Real Valladolid, Spain); Ayuma Isaac Israel (NK Istra,
Croatia); Cletus Simon (Mavlon FC); Sulaiman Alabi Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors);
Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United); Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists)
Forwards: Umar Abubakar (KAA Gent, Belgium); Anthony Ezekiel
(Inspire FC); Otu Joseph (Mavlon FC); Nasiru Salihu (El-Kanemi Warriors);
Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy); Adeleke Abdulmuiz (Adoration FC); Clinton
Jephta (Enyimba FC); Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire FC); Tahir Maigana (Wireless
FC); Rickson Mendos (Niger Tornadoes); Mustapha Umar (Kano Pillars); Kingsley
Matthew (Kings FC); Armiyau Yusha’u (Katsina United); Benjamin Precious (TSG
1899 Hoffenheim, Germany)
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