Flying Eagles Set for Abuja Camp as WAFU B Tournament Gets New Date

Flying Eagles Set for Abuja Camp as WAFU B Tournament Gets New Date

By Niyi Busari 

 Head coach Aliyu Zubairu has confirmed that Nigeria’s U-20 men’s national team, the Flying Eagles, will resume camp in Abuja this weekend as preparations intensify for the rescheduled WAFU B U-20 Boys Championship in Ghana, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The team had previously been in training camp in Abuja before being released two weeks ago following an indefinite postponement of the competition, which was initially scheduled for last month. With organisers now confirming a new start date of July 10, Zubairu says the team will reconvene for the final phase of preparation before departing for Accra. “We’re bringing the players back to camp this weekend to resume full training. With the new date confirmed, we are focused on getting the boys ready for the task ahead,” Zubairu stated.

Group Draw and Key Fixtures: Nigeria Opens Campaign Against Hosts Ghana

Nigeria has been drawn in Group A alongside host nation Ghana and Benin Republic, while Group B features Niger, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals.

Tournament organisers have also confirmed the fixtures, with the much-anticipated "Jollof Derby" between Ghana and Nigeria set to headline the opening match on July 10 in Accra—a clash that promises fireworks and regional pride.

The Flying Eagles’ second and final group match comes on July 13 against Benin Republic. Nigeria will then have to wait three more days to discover their semi-final fate when Ghana and Benin face off on July 16.

To avoid relying on results from other matches, the Flying Eagles must secure back-to-back wins against both Ghana and Benin Republic to top the group and book an automatic place in the semi-finals. Failure to do so could leave their qualification hopes hanging on goal difference or head-to-head results.