F’Eagles return to Abuja for U-20 AFCON build-up

Seven-time African champions Flying Eagles have returned to Abuja as they step up preparations for the 24th U-20 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to kick off later this month in Egypt, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Nigerian squad moved back to the Federal Capital Territory following a three-week training camp in Katsina, where they had initially gone to acclimatise to weather conditions similar to those expected in Ivory Coast where the tournament was meant to take place.

The change in location became necessary after Ivory Coast’s late withdrawal as hosts, forcing the Confederation of African Football to shift the competition to Egypt, which previously hosted the 2023 edition.

“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,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said on Wednesday.

“At the moment, due to the change of host nation, and the difference in weather conditions between Ivory Coast and Egypt, we are looking at the team leaving Nigeria early to spend about 10 days in Egypt before the commencement of the tournament.”

The squad will utilise the FIFA Goal Project training facility for their sessions before departing for Egypt within the next week.

Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu, who guided the team to successfully defend their WAFU B U-20 Championship title in Togo last October, has called up 35 players for the Abuja camp, comprising three goalkeepers, eight defenders, 10 midfielders and 14 forwards.

All four semi-finalists at the tournament will secure qualification to represent Africa at this year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup finals, scheduled for Chile from September 27 to October 18.

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