SCORENigeria has closely followed the Flying Eagles leading up to the 2025 U20 AFCON in Egypt.
We now pick the five players from the coach Aliyu Zubairu-led team who will shine in front of the famous Egyptian pyramids as they seek a ticket to the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile in September.
5.Ebenezer Harcourt
The youngest player on the 24-man squad – he will be only 16 in October – is also the giant of the team. He is the team’s No 1 goalkeeper since his superlative displays in the all-important victory over Cote d’Ivoire in the group stage of WAFU B qualifiers in Togo last year. He is physically imposing, has good reflexes and has been exposed to international football with his club Sporting Lagos at last year’s Gothia Cup in Sweden, where they won the competition on their debut appearance.
4.Daniel Bameyi
This will be his second U20 AFCON after he also led the Flying Eagles to finish third and qualify for the 2023 World Cup in Argentina. He leads by example and was one of the best players at the WAFU B qualifiers. He has remarkable composure in the heart of the defence and will again be expected to stabilize the back four when the going goes tough.
3.Emmanuel Chukwu
The former Golden Eaglets star is one of the valuable additions to the team from the WAFU B triumph. He will partner Bameyi in the heart of the defence. He is athletic and full of confidence having only recently signed his first pro contract with German Bundesliga club Hoffenheim. The 18-year-old Chukwu loves to join the attack and is armed with a decent shot.
2.Bidemi Amole
The sleek winger has what it takes to take this tournament by storm. He suffered from inconsistency at the WAFU B qualifiers, but it appears he has found his groove soon after. When he is at his best, he is one of the players with the X Factor in this well-blended team.
Bidemi Amole has been called up to🇳🇬U20 as recent 16yo. Quick first step, shifty dribbler and super striker of ball. Dangerous player in Sadio Mane role but with ability to float infield and distribute. Class and defo OTW. https://t.co/1DHNjBIrvihttps://t.co/R76jnn5BaL pic.twitter.com/WlzRFq2hfQ
— Scoutsourced (@scoutsourced) February 5, 2025
1.Kparobo Arierhi
The striker was the star of the Flying Eagles with his three goals including a brace in the final against perennial rivals Ghana. He has now signed a pro deal with Norwegian club Lillestrom and his physical growth since then has been most remarkable. He is a technical player, knows his way to go and the team will again be counting on him to fire the goals that will shoot them to more glory in Egypt.
