Zambia enough test for Flying Eagles ahead U20 AFCON - Former West Brom defender

Former West Brom and Super Eagles defender, Ifeanyi Udeze, has posited that contrary to calls for the Nigeria U-20 national team to play tune-up friendlies with Nigeria Premier League clubs ahead of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, the idea is not feasible. 

The seven-time CAF U-20 champions will participate in the tournament in Egypt which serves as qualifiers to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Indonesia. 

The CAF U-20 Nations Cup will hold in Egypt between 19 February and 11 March 2023 while the FIFA U-20 World Cup is slated to hold 20 May and 11 June, 2023.

The Flying Eagles recently played a friendly against an amateur side and are set to face Zambia who will also participate in the tournament in Egypt. 

However, Udeze expressed concerns over what Nigerians wish for which would have an impact in the abridged 2022/2023 league campaign. 

"No club in the Nigeria Premier League will play friendlies now because the league has started," Udeze told Brila FM, Lagos.

 "I have heard people say the Flying Eagles should play friendlies against some of the clubs in the league. 

"And mind you, if it happens, clubs will be putting their players at risk. Let's appreciate the Flying Eagles, it boosts their confidence that they are winning so far in their tune up games. 

"In Zambia, they will face a really good team. A win will boost their confidence, so against Zambia, it's enough test. They  (Flying Eagles) are doing well for themselves. I really wish them all the best," Udeze stressed. 

The Flying Eagles won the WAFU Zone B regional tournament which earned them a berth in the U-20 Nations Cup in Egypt. 

The tournament was previously called the African Youth Championship. 

Izuchukwu Michael 
 

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