Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have arrived in Abidjan, ahead of their friendly matches against the Young Elephants (Ivory Coast U20) on February 26 and 28, as the team continues to prepare for the U20 AFCON tournament, scheduled to take place in Côte d’Ivoire from April 26 to May 18.
Initially, the Flying Eagles were set to play friendly matches against Egypt U20 on February 25 and 27 in Cairo. However, due to both countries being drawn in the same group, the friendly was cancelled, and a new friendly arrangement was made with the tournament hosts, Côte d’Ivoire.
Despite the change in opponents, the Flying Eagles’ preparation remains unchanged, with the initial 30-man squad called up by head coach Aliyu Zubairu still intact. The team will use these friendlies as part of their buildup to the continental tournament.
The U20 AFCON will see the Flying Eagles compete in Group B alongside Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco while hosts Côte d’Ivoire will face DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, and a second representative from the UNIFFAC region in Group A.
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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have a rich history in the tournament, having won it a record seven times. However, they have experienced a four-tournament drought without lifting the trophy, failing to qualify in 2019 and 2021, and finishing fourth in 2019 and third in 2023.
The Flying Eagles are thus determined to end their drought and bring the trophy back to Nigeria. The friendlies against Côte d’Ivoire will provide valuable experience and help the team prepare for the tournament. By getting acquainted with the host nation, the Flying Eagles hope to gain an edge in order to make a successful run in the U20 AFCON.
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