Hoffenheim duo, Gent forward named in Flying Eagles' 35-man provisional squad for 2025 Afcon

Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has unveiled a 35-man provisional squad ahead of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is set to kick off on April 27 in Cairo, Egypt.

The squad, announced on Tuesday, included a blend of home-based and foreign-based talents as Nigeria begins preparations for its quest for an eighth continental title.

Among the notable names are Hoffenheim duo Emmanuel Chukwu and Benjamin Precious, along with Gent forward Umar Abubakar and Real Valladolid’s Ibrahim Alam.

Nigeria secured qualification for the continental showpiece after emerging champions of the WAFU Zone B tournament in Togo, where they bounced back from an opening loss to Burkina Faso to defeat Ghana in a thrilling final.

Coach Zubairu has retained several players from the victorious WAFU squad, including team captain Daniel Bamaiyi of Bayelsa United, goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt of Sporting Lagos, and El-Kanemi Warriors’ Sulaiman Alabi ‘Jojo’. 

Also listed is Enyimba's highly-rated forward Clinton Jephta.

The provisional squad consists of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eleven midfielders, and thirteen attackers. 

The final 21-man list will be submitted at least 10 days before the commencement of the tournament.

The Flying Eagles, seven-time champions of the U20 AFCON, will be aiming not only to clinch the trophy but also to secure a place at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Full provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC), Soliu Ajia (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia), Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos)

Defenders: Emmanuel Chukwu (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany), Kenneth Igbokwe (Enugu Rangers), Daniel Bamaiyi (Bayelsa United), Adewale Quadin (Nath Boys), Afamu Maigari (El Kanemi Warriors), Odinaka Emmanuel (Sporting Lagos), Chigozie Ihejifor (Katsina United), Haruna Aliyu (Wikki Tourists)  

Midfeilders: Michael Tunde (Simoiben), Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United), Akin Oluwashile (Water FC), Israel Ayuma (NK Istra, Croatia), Cletus Simon (Mavlon FC), Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Ujanik, Montenegro), Ibrahim Alam (Real Valladolid, Spain), Sulaiman Alabi ‘Jojo’ (El Kanemi Warriors), Shafiu Duguri (Wikki Tourists), Nasiru Salihu (El Kanemi Warriors), Sabiu Mohammed (Niger Tornadoes)  

Forwards: Adeleke Abdulmuiz (Adoration FC), Armiyu Yushua (Katsina United), Mustapha Umar (Kano Pillars), Anthony Ezekiel (Inspire FC), Otu Joseph (Moralo FC), Oliseh Divine (Fosta Academy), Clinton Jephta (Enyimba), Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire), Umar Abubakar (KAA Gent, Belgium), Trahir Maigana (Wireless FC), Rickson Mendos (Niger Tornadoes), Mathew Kingsley (Kings FC), Benjamin Precious (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany)

Adeyemi Adewale

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