Coach Ladan Bosso has said he expects a stronger Flying Eagles going into the U20 AFCON in Egypt early next year because of the fierce competition for team places between the new call-ups and those who featured at the WAFU qualifiers in Niger.
The Flying Eagles opened training camp in Abuja ahead of the U20 AFCON in February.
Bosso has retained the core of the squad who beat Benin Republic to win the WAFU B qualifying series in Niger earlier this year.
These players include giant goalkeeper Nathaniel Nwosu, defenders David Sholumade, Tosin Adegbite, Onuche Ogbule, Muhammad Aminu, Daniel Daga, Ibrahim Yahaya and Albert Hilary.
However, new additions like Dominion Ohaka, Abdulrahman Adam, Emmanuel Justine, Junior Nduka, Jonas Emmanuel, Christopher Chinedu and Emmanuel Ekpenyong have been pushing for team places.
“The new boys are pushing hard, I am happy, that can only be good for the team,” Bosso said.
“I always have an open mind about the players, if you are good you will make my team.
“We will continue to improve the team with players who are good enough, it’s an on-going exercise, and that way we will have a stronger team for the AFCON as a result.”
The Flying Eagles will intensify preparations this week after they won comfortably their first three test games.
They have thus far scored 17 goals and conceded none.