Nigeria’s U20 national team, the Flying Eagles, have arrived in Ghana ahead of the much-anticipated WAFU Zone B U20 Championship, which officially kicks off on Thursday, July 10, 2025.
The squad, led by head coach Aliyu Zubairu, landed safely in Accra at 9:30 p.m. on Monday night, following a one-hour flight from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The Flying Eagles are placed in Group A alongside hosts Ghana and regional rivals Benin Republic, setting the stage for a fierce battle for semi-final qualification. Group B features Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, and Togo.
Crunch Opener vs Hosts Ghana
Nigeria will open their campaign with a high-octane clash against arch-rivals Ghana on Thursday, July 10, in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most anticipated matches. The Flying Eagles will then face Benin Republic on Sunday, July 13, as they look to secure one of the top two spots needed to progress to the semi-finals.
“We understand the expectations that come with wearing the green and white,” said coach Zubairu before departure.
“This is a chance to test ourselves against the best in West Africa and show what this new generation can offer Nigerian football.”
Revival of a Key Youth Platform
The WAFU B U20 Championship, initially postponed earlier in the year, has now been rescheduled to run from July 10 to 23, 2025. This edition marks a welcome return of the prestigious youth tournament, which has long served as a launchpad for future stars and a scouting hub for local and international clubs.
For Nigeria, it’s more than just regional bragging rights. The Flying Eagles are aiming to reassert their dominance in West African football and lay the foundation for qualification to the next U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, which will also fine tune their preparations for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
What’s at Stake
Top two teams in each group advance to the semi-finals.
WAFU B finalists typically secure qualification for the U20 AFCON.
The tournament offers exposure for Nigeria’s rising stars and a preview of future senior team prospects
With a blend of local and foreign-based players, strong preparatory camps, and a renewed focus on youth development, the Flying Eagles are expected to be among the favourites to lift the title in Ghana.