Flying Eagles Begin WAFU B U20 Title Defence in Ghana with 20-Man Squad

Emmanuel Oladele Tuesday, July 08, 2025

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have officially kicked off preparations in Accra, Ghana, for the 2024 WAFU B U20 Boys Tournament, which is scheduled to run from July 10 to 23. Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu has assembled a formidable 20-man squad as Nigeria seeks to defend their regional crown and extend their dominance in the West African sub-region.

The seven-time African champions are aiming for a third consecutive WAFU B title, having won the previous two editions in Niger Republic (2022) and Togo (2021).

Familiar Faces and Fresh Talents

Zubairu has blended experience with youthful vibrancy, selecting captain Daniel Bameyi and five other players from the squad that clinched bronze at the Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt earlier this year—earning Nigeria a spot at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.

Returning stalwarts include:

Ebenezer Harcourt (Goalkeeper, Sporting Lagos)
Odinaka Okoro (Defender, Sporting Lagos)
Divine Oliseh, Bidemi Amole, Ezekiel Kpangu, and Tahir Maigana (Midfield)

New additions aiming to make a mark include:

Clinton Andy (Bayelsa United, GK)
Marvelous Freedom (Ikorodu City, Defender)
Abba Sadiq, Abduljelil Kamaldeen, Imrana Muhammad, and Qudus Olayiwola—young prospects who’ve impressed in domestic youth circuits.

Group A Fixtures

Nigeria have been drawn into Group A alongside hosts Ghana and Benin Republic. The Flying Eagles will:

🆚 Ghana – Thursday, July 10 at 3:00 PM (Venue: Prampram Centre, Accra)
🆚 Benin Republic – Sunday, July 13

Only the group winner advances to the semi-finals, making each game vital.

Full Squad – Nigeria U20 Team

Goalkeepers:

Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos)
Clinton Andy (Bayelsa United)

Defenders:

Abba Khalid Sadiq (Niger Tornadoes)
Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos)
Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United)
Akinniran Oluwashile (Water FC)
Ahmed Akinyele (Remo Stars)
Marvelous Freedom (Ikorodu City)

Midfielders:

Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy)
Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire FC)
Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC)
Ezekiel Kpangu (Inspire Academy)
Rawa Mohammed (Beyond Limits)
Matthew Kingsley (Kings FC)
Abduljelil Kamaldeen (Kwara Football Academy)
Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists)

Forwards:

Abdullahi Muhammed (Kwara United)
Godday Otalyul-Imbus (Calabar Rovers)
Imrana Muhammad (Mavlon FC)
Qudus Olayiwola (P Sport FC)

Eyes on the Prize

Nigeria’s participation in this year’s WAFU B U20 Championship not only serves as a title defence but also as crucial preparation ahead of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile later this year.

With tradition, talent, and tactical grit, the Flying Eagles look set to soar once again.