NGA vs TUN: How Flying Eagles Could Lineup For The U-20 AFCON Group Opener

NGA vs TUN: How Flying Eagles Could Lineup For The U-20 AFCON Group Opener

As Nigeria's Flying Eagles prepare for their crucial U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group B clash against Tunisia on Thursday, Coach Aliyu Zubairu appears set to rely largely on the core of the team that triumphed at the WAFU B U20 tournament in Togo in 2024.

Zubairu will likely maintain his trusted 4-3-3 formation, which served him well during the regional qualifiers. Several positions are already settled, offering stability as the team aims to open their campaign in Egypt on a strong note.

In goal, Ebenezer Harcourt remains the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper following his assured performances during the WAFU tournament. He will be shielded by a defence anchored by captain Daniel Bameyi at centre-back, alongside Hoffenheim’s new signing Emmanuel Chukwu, who is favoured to start ahead of Katsina United’s Chigozie Ihejiofor following Haruna Aliyu’s late omission.

At full-back, Adamu Maigari is expected to keep his place at right-back, while the left-back position could be filled by one of the emerging options, though no firm decision has been announced yet.

The midfield is where Zubairu faces his toughest choices. Caleb Ochedikwu, who plays in Croatia, is certain to anchor the midfield as the defensive pivot, drawing from his experience at the 2023 U20 AFCON. Partnering him could be Akwa United’s Auwal Ibrahim, nicknamed ‘Germany’, who impressed in a recent friendly against hosts Egypt and looks set to edge out Israel Ayuma for the role.

In the attacking midfield position, Suleyman Alabi ‘Jojo’ and Divine Oliseh are in contention. Although Alabi was a regular during the WAFU campaign, Oliseh’s recent form for Foster Academy could earn him a starting nod.

The forward line is expected to be familiar. Wingers Bidemi Amole and Clinton Jephta are likely to operate from wide areas, supporting centre-forward Kparobo Arierhi, who was a key figure in Togo.

With several players pushing hard for starting spots, Coach Zubairu faces welcome selection headaches. Regardless of the final line-up, the Flying Eagles are set to field a dynamic and experienced side as they seek to secure a winning start against Tunisia.