HOW FLYING EAGLES QUALIFIED FOR 2023 AFCON U20 TOURNAMENT

Sharif Abdallah

Flying Eagles qualified for AFCON U20 tournament in Egypt by virtue of emerging Champions at WAFU B U20 regional tournament in May 2022 in Niger Republic. 

In the process of team's qualification, the Nigeria U20 men's team defeated 2021 U20 AFCON cup holders, Ghana 2-0 , Cote'd Ivore 2-1 in the semi final and Benin Republic 3-1 on final day to be crowned WAFU B regional champions.  

*NIGERIA'S  HISTORY IN AFCON U20 COMPETITION.*  

Nigeria has a rich history the AFCON U20 tournament. 

The West African country is the most successful nation in the history of the AFCON U20 tournament  since the competition began in 1979  having crowned  champions seven times with the first in 1983 and the most recent in 2015 defeating host nation Senegal 1-0 in the final.  

The Flying Eagles have lost only  two finals in 1999 and 2007 while finishing third on three occasions in 1995, 2005, 2013 and fourth in 2019. 

*LADAN BOSSO.* 

Ladan Bosso is the man in charge of Flying Eagles .  

Having tinkered the team to be crowned WAFU B U20 Champions in Niger Republic last year, the Former Wikki Tourists, Abia Warriors and Ifeanyi Ubah FC manager who led numerous teams in Nigeria's top flight league is expected to  lead the charge once again as the seven time African Champions make their 16th appearance in the competition. 

The Flying Eagles are a force to be reckoned with under Bosso who's rebuilding process continued after the his team won  U20 WAFU B tournament last year.  

His eyes are fixed  towards achieving podium finish  in a  tournament Nigeria has won more than any  nation. 

Bosso will banking on the Flying Eagles rich vein of form having played 19 games without defeat in the preparations ahead of the AFCON U20 tournament.  

*STARS TO WATCH  .*

Ibrahim Muhammad. Cartegena FC.  

Ibrahim Beji  Muhammad is a  19 years old winger operating from the left.  The pacy  left footed player ply his trades with  Cartegena FC in the Spanish second division. 

 Muhammad played a key role in Niger Republic as the Flying Eagles qualified for this year’s edition of AFCON U20 tournament in Egypt.  

He scored some pivotal goals against Ghana, Burkina Faso and Benin Republic while the Nigerians emerged WAFU B Champions.  

Beji as he is famously known finished  as WAFU B U20 tournament as the tournament second highest goal scorer with three goals to his  credit. 

*Daniel Daga,  Dakkada FC.*  

An indefatigable defensive midfielder with   knack for goals from long range. 

 Daniel Daga is just 16 years old  but was instrumental during the team's qualification series in WAFU B U20 regional tournament. 

 Now  with Nigeria Professional Football League side , Dakkada FC in the country's apex division, Daga can foil attacks initiated by opponents.  

Daga scooped the MVP award at  the WAFU B which serves as AFCON U20 qualifying series.  

*Olamilekan Adams,  Remo Stars.*  

Olamilekan Adams wasn't part of the team that lifted the WAFU B U20 trophy in Niger Republic last year but has been a key member in the team's AFCON U20  rebuilding  process.  

He operates from the left and can also serve as a point man. 

The forward plays for Remo Stars and his  header goal for his club against ASFAR of Morocco in the Confederations Cup  rubber stamped as a player who's good in the air.  

Adams has proven to be a headmaster coming off the bench to score with  his head against Zambia and Congo Brazzaville respectively in preparatory games for Flying Eagles ahead of  AFCON U20 tournament.  

There's no doubt Olamilekan Adams is one the stars to watch out for. 

*Rilwan Halliru Sarki,  Maikulele FC.* 

Halliru Sarki is  no doubt one player that the Flying Eagles will be banking on to propel the team for glory . 

His pacy runs, deft passes and impeccable ball control makes him one of the most deadly player in the Flying Eagles fold. 

Sarki announced his presence with a goal in the Pre-U20 AFCON game against against Zambia after hitting the wood work twice.  

The diminutive wide man  was a thorn in the flesh for the Zambian defence. 

His ability to score from free kick also put him aside the rest.  

Sarki is expected to take Egypt by storm in the AFCON U20 tournament billed to commence on Sunday.