Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has announced a 35-man provisional squad for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with seven foreign-based talents invited to bolster Nigeria’s title ambitions.
The tournament, set to kick off on April 27 in Cairo, Egypt, will see Nigeria chasing an eighth continental title, and Coach Zubairu appears to be leaning on both domestic form and international experience to build a competitive squad.
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Among the standout foreign-based inclusions are Emmanuel Chukwu and Benjamin Precious of German Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim.
The duo, known for their tactical awareness and physical presence, bring top-tier European experience to the Nigerian setup.
Also earning a call-up is Umar Abubakar, a forward with Belgian club KAA Gent. His clinical finishing and movement in the final third have made him one of Nigeria’s brightest U-20 prospects abroad.
Another promising addition is Ibrahim Alam of Real Valladolid in Spain, whose creativity and vision in midfield could prove crucial during the tournament.
Croatian-based Israel Ayuma (NK Istra) and Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Ujanik, Montenegro) add depth to the midfield, while Soliu Ajia of FK Novi Pazar in Serbia strengthens the goalkeeping options with his European experience.
Coach Zubairu’s selections reflect a deliberate effort to blend homegrown talents with Europe-based players, aiming to create a balanced, high-performing unit.
Many of the invited players also played a key role in Nigeria’s victorious WAFU Zone B campaign in Togo, where the team bounced back from an early loss to defeat Ghana in the final.
Returning from that title-winning squad are team captain Daniel Bamaiyi (Bayelsa United), Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos), and Sulaiman Alabi ‘Jojo’ (El-Kanemi Warriors), adding leadership and continuity to the group.
The squad includes 3 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 11 midfielders, and 13 forwards. The final 21-man list will be confirmed at least 10 days before the tournament begins.
With a mix of local league stars and Europe-based professionals, the Flying Eagles, seven-time U-20 AFCON champions, will not only aim for continental glory but also seek qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Full Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers:
Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC)
Soliu Ajia (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia)
Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos)
Defenders:
Emmanuel Chukwu (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany)
Kenneth Igbokwe (Enugu Rangers)
Daniel Bamaiyi (Bayelsa United)
Adewale Quadin (Nath Boys)
Afamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors)
Odinaka Emmanuel (Sporting Lagos)
Chigozie Ihejifor (Katsina United)
Haruna Aliyu (Wikki Tourists)
Midfielders:
Michael Tunde (Simoiben)
Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United)
Akin Oluwashile (Water FC)
Israel Ayuma (NK Istra, Croatia)
Cletus Simon (Mavlon FC)
Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Ujanik, Montenegro)
Ibrahim Alam (Real Valladolid, Spain)
Sulaiman Alabi ‘Jojo’ (El-Kanemi Warriors)
Shafiu Duguri (Wikki Tourists)
Nasiru Salihu (El-Kanemi Warriors)
Sabiu Mohammed (Niger Tornadoes)
Forwards:
Adeleke Abdulmuiz (Adoration FC)
Armiyu Yushua (Katsina United)
Mustapha Umar (Kano Pillars)
Anthony Ezekiel (Inspire FC)
Otu Joseph (Moralo FC)
Oliseh Divine (Fosta Academy)
Clinton Jephta (Enyimba)
Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire)
Umar Abubakar (KAA Gent, Belgium)
Trahir Maigana (Wireless FC)
Rickson Mendos (Niger Tornadoes)
Mathew Kingsley (Kings FC)
Benjamin Precious (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany)
