Nigeria Flying Eagles Settle in Yamoussoukro as Redemption Quest Begins at 2026 WAFU B U20 Boys Championship

Nigeria’s U20 side, the Flying Eagles, have completed their journey and settled into base camp in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, ready to launch their bid for regional glory at the 2026 WAFU B U20 Boys Championship.

The squad flew into Abidjan on Monday (July 27) before travelling by road to the Ivorian political capital. The focus has shifted fully to recovery, training, and fine-tuning ahead of a demanding group stage.

This tournament represents a clear redemption mission. After lifting the title in both 2022 and 2024, including a memorable 2-1 victory over Ghana in the Lomé final two years ago, the Flying Eagles fell just short last time out, losing 1-0 to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final in 2025. Coach Abdu Maikaba’s young charges arrive determined to reclaim the crown and take the next step on the road to higher honours.

The WAFU B Championship, running from 26 July to 9 August 2026, serves as the key qualifying route to the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana. Strong performances here will open the door to the continental finals and, potentially, the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup co-hosted by Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

Nigeria sit in a competitive Group B alongside Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso. All three of their group matches will be played at the Lycée Scientifique de Yamoussoukro. The fixtures (Nigeria time) are:

• Nigeria vs Ghana - Monday , 27 July, 3:00 PM

• Nigeria vs Togo - Thursday, 30 July, 3:00 PM

• Nigeria vs Burkina Faso - Sunday, 2 August, 3:00 PM

The opener against the Black Satellites is already the standout fixture. Ghana will be hungry for revenge after that 2024 final defeat, while Nigeria know a positive result would give them early control of the group and set a strong tone for the campaign.

Maikaba has selected a 23-man squad that mixes proven campaigners with exciting emerging talents who impressed during the rigorous camping and screening process in Abuja:

Lawani Clinton (Sporting Lagos)
Olayemi Ayinla (Warri Wolves)
Wahab Musa (FC Málaga)
Timilehin Agbonjimi (FC Ablaze)
Odinaka Alfred (Aseami Academy)
Somto Nnoli (Akwa United)
Samson Joshua (Galadima FC)
Ebrima Manneh (Sporting Supreme)
Abdoulaye Agbeloye (Grassrunner FC)
Habila Simeon (Golden Boot Soccer Academy)
Imrana Muhammad (Deportivo Alavés)
Saifullahi Yusuf (Wikki Tourists)
Israel Samuel (Abia Warriors)
Sani Shuaibu (Wikki Tourists)
Oraro Lucky (Warri Wolves)
Rufai Abubakar (NK Istra 1961)
Auwal Muhammad (Bichi First)
Jamilu Yusuf (Junior Danburan)
Adamu Hussaini (Barau FC)
Abdulmuiz Adeleke (Sporting Supreme)
Abdullahi Ele (JMD FC)
Gift Subi (P Sport Academy)
Aminu Yusuf (Kano Pillars)

With the tournament about to begin, the Flying Eagles are settled, focused and ready. The road back to the summit of West African youth football starts this weekend. Nigerian fans will be watching closely as the Flying Eagles chase redemption, regional supremacy, and a place among Africa’s elite on the journey to the 2027 FIFA U20 World Cup.