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Nigeria U20 head coach Aliyu Zubairu has named a 35-man provisional squad ahead of the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to kick off on April 27 in Cairo, Egypt, Footynaija.com reports.
The list, revealed on Tuesday, features a well-balanced mix of home-grown talents and foreign-based prospects as the Flying Eagles ramp up preparations for a potential eighth continental title.
Real Valladolid midfielder Ibrahim Alam, Hoffenheim pair Emmanuel Chukwu and Benjamin Precious, and Umar Abubakar, who plies his trade at Belgian side Gent, are among the standout names.
Also making headlines is Clinton Jephta, the exciting young forward from Nigerian champions Enyimba, who has been rewarded for his recent form with a place in the squad.
Coach Zubairu has kept faith with several key players from the squad that triumphed at the WAFU Zone B tournament in Togo last year, including captain Daniel Bamaiyi of Bayelsa United and Sulaiman Alabi ‘Jojo‘ of El-Kanemi Warriors.
Three goalkeepers have been named: Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC), Soliu Ajia (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia), and Sporting Lagos’ Ebenezer Harcourt, who is widely tipped to retain his starting spot after impressive performances in regional qualifiers.
Nigeria booked their place at the continental tournament after staging a spirited comeback at the WAFU Zone B competition—bouncing back from an opening loss to Burkina Faso to defeat Ghana in a thrilling final.
The provisional squad comprises three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eleven midfielders, and thirteen forwards. The final 21-man list must be submitted to CAF at least ten days before the tournament begins.
As seven-time champions of the U20 AFCON, Nigeria will be aiming not only to reclaim the title but also to book a place at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Full Flying Eagles Provisional Squad for 2025 U20 AFCON
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)
Midfielders:
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)
