Africa U20 Cup of Nations 2025: Nigeria's Flying Eagles squad announced

Nigeria, seven-time Africa U20 champions, is gearing up for a new continental campaign. Head coach Aliyu Zubairu recently unveiled the list of 24 Nigerian players selected for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations 2025 in Egypt, scheduled from April 26 to May 18.​

This final squad, drawn from an initial group of 30 players, blends local talent and expatriates. Among them are first-choice goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt, defender and captain Daniel Bameyi, midfielder Sulaiman Alabi Jojo, and forward Kparobo Arierhi.

Nigeria's Flying Eagles are placed in Group B alongside Tunisia, Morocco, and Kenya for this 24th edition of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations. The goal is clear: reach the semi-finals to secure a spot at the U20 World Cup in Chile. The Flying Eagles last claimed continental glory in 2015. Winning an eighth title also poses a significant challenge for Aliyu Zubairu and his team.

Here is Nigeria's full squad for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations 2025

Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC); Soliu Ajia Yakub (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia)

Defenders: Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Emmanuel Chukwu (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Chigozie Michael Ihejiofor (Katsina United)

Midfielders: Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Uljanik Pula, Croatia); Israel Isaac Ayuma (NK Istra, Croatia); Simon Cletus (Mavlon FC); Sulaiman Alabi Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors); Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United); Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists)

Forwards: Precious Benjamin (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Ezekiel Anthony Kpangu (Inspire FC); Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy); Clinton Jephta (Enyimba FC); Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire FC); Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC); Theophilus Mendos Rickson (Niger Tornadoes); Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway); Matthew Kingsley (Kings FC); Yushau Armiyau (Katsina United)

Lydiane N'Po |

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Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.