2025 U20 AFCON: Zubairu opens Flying Eagles door for West Ham, Fulham, Burnley starlets

Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu has opened the door for West Ham United starlets, Tyron Akpata and Favour Fawunmi, Burnley young defensive stalwart Noah Adekoya and Fulham's Chibuzo Nwoko to represent Nigeria at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Allnigeriasoccer.com can report with certainty that these aforementioned players on the books of English clubs are ready to represent the Flying Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations if approached by the Nigeria Football Federation. 

The Flying Eagles, which consisted mainly of home-based players defeated Ghana to emerge as champions of the West African Football Union Zone B U20 Africa Cup of Nations qualification championship last month.

Despite losing their opening game to Burkina Faso, they were able to bounce back to beat Ivory Coast to qualify for the semifinal where they beat Niger before triumphing over the Black Satellites in the final.

This has earned them a place in next year's U-20 Africa Cup of Nations and Zubairu is ready to beef up his side to conquer the continent.

Speaking to the Ilorin branch of the Sports Writer Association of Nigeria, Zubairu disclosed that he is ready to hand invites to foreign-based players ahead of next year's U20 AFCON, particularly with his concern regarding this defensive department.

"We will not hinder their participation and are committed to selecting those with the necessary skills," Zubairu said.

"I'm somewhat dissatisfied with our defence; we were conceding goals consistently. This vulnerability cannot be overlooked on a larger stage."

The statement from the Flying Eagles' leading tactician has now paved the way for Akpata, Fawunmi, Adekoya and Nwoko to represent their father's land.

Akpata and Fawunmi have featured for West Ham's side in Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy this term though the former has enjoyed more game time than the latter.

Adekoya currently plays for Burnley U18s while Nwoko has represented Fulham U21s this season in the Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy this campaign.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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