Random News

Trendbrio.com

News and Entertainment Update

Tag: Flying Eagles

Côte d’Ivoire 2025: Flying Eagles to play group phase matches in Korhogo

Our Reporters02 mins

Seven-time African champions, Nigeria will commence their participation in the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations finals with a game against the Young Pharaohs of Egypt on Wednesday, 30th April, at the 20,000-capacity Amadou Gon Coulibaly stadium in Korhogo. The encounter is billed to kick off at 5pm CIV time (6pm Nigeria time). The Flying will next take on Morocco’s Young Atlas Lions at the same venue, starting 8pm local time (9pm Nigeria time) on Saturday, 3rd May. Nigeria, who qualified for the finals following a successful defence of their WAFU B U20 Championship title in Lome in October 2024, will then wrap up their group B campaign with a session against South Africa, also in Korhogo on Tuesday, 6th May, starting from 5pm local time (6pm Nigeria time). The Flying Eagles, quarter-finalists at the last edition of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina in 2023, are currently camping in Katsina, courtesy of the State Government, in the first phase of their final preparations for the continental championship. A semi-final spot in Côte d’Ivoire will guarantee the Eagles a spot in this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, 27th September – 19th October.

Read More

Cote d’Ivoire 2025: Flying Eagles coach accepts North Africans, South Africa challenge

Our Reporters03 mins

The head coach of Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu, has voiced his optimism following Thursday’s group stage draw for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations, which will take place in Cote d’Ivoire, 26th April – 18th May. The Nigerian team finds itself in a demanding group alongside traditional powerhouses Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa, all of whom have a rich history in African youth football. In his reaction to the draw, Coach Zubairu remarked: “It’s a very good draw. If a team truly aspires to reach the FIFA World Cup, there is no need to shy away from any opponent. Facing Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa at this stage presents a tremendous opportunity. I believe it’s a blessing.” This perspective not only highlights Zubairu’s confidence in his squad’s capabilities but also underscores his commitment to challenging his players against formidable rivals, which can ultimately foster their development and resilience. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Coach Zubairu stressed the necessity of mental preparation as his team gears up for these high-stakes matches. He is keen on instilling a robust sense of self-belief within his players, emphasizing that they should approach every opponent with respect and seriousness. “We need to dispel the notion that this is a ‘group of death,’” he said. “In African football, there are no small teams anymore. The key is to prepare very well. A lesser-known nation can surprise everyone if they come prepared.” To ensure the team is adequately prepared for the task, the NFF has not only put the Flying Eagles in camp to resume training, with a 30-man squad, but has also organised a two-match tour of Cairo for the team to play the Egyptian U20 team at the end of this month. The friendly matches in Cairo have been scheduled for 25th and 27th February.

Read More

Cote d’Ivoire 2025: Flying Eagles return to camp for Egypt friendlies

Our Reporters03 mins

Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu has called to camp 30 players as Nigeria’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles, prepare for a two-match tour of Egypt later this month. Team Administrator, Aliyu Lawal Ibrahim informed thenff.com that the seven-time African champions will clash with their Egyptian counterparts in Cairo, capital of Egypt in friendly matches that have been scheduled for 25th and 27th February. This year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations will be staged in Cote d’Ivoire, 26th April – 18th May, with the four top-placed finishers qualifying to represent the continent at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, 27th September – 19th October. The Flying Eagles, champions of Africa in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2011 and 2015, won the WAFU-B U20 Championship held in Lome, Togo in October last year to be eligible for the finals in Cote d’Ivoire. They defeated Ghana’s Black Satellites 3-1 in the final match. The two-time FIFA World Cup runners-up, in 1989 and 2005, came within breathing distance of the semi-finals at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Argentina, before losing narrowly to Korea Republic after extra time. FLYING EAGLES FOR CAMPING IN ABUJA FOR EGYPT FRIENDLIES: Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Light Emerenonye (Diamond Academy); Abubakar Rufai (Mavlon FC) Defenders: Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Kenneth Igbokwe (Enugu Rangers); Haruna Aliyu (Wikki Tourists); Musa Ademu (Wireless FC); Shamsudeen Muhammad (Mavlon FC); Ibrahim Abdullahi; Shamsudeen Ishaq (Grassrunner FC); Steven Jolomi (Mavlon FC) Midfielders: Raphael Oyebanji (Shuffle Select FC); Mohammed Ibrahim (Niger Tornadoes); Kizito Opara (Campus Academy); Alabi Sulaiman Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors); Sulaiman Abubakar (Diamond Academy); Shafiu Adamu (Wikki Tourists); Cletus Simon (Mavlon FC) Forwards: Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire Academy); Clinton Japhet (Enyimba FC); Matthew Chukwusa (Morack Academy); Nasiru Salihu (El-Kanemi Warriors); Divine Olisha (Fostar Academy); Jerry Salami (Aspire Academy); Oluwaseyi Akinfenwa (Real Sapphire Academy); Shola Adelami (Ikorodu City); Abdulrahaman Ishaq (Sport Supply Academy); Ezekiel Anthony (Aspire Academy); Sodiq Olalekan Adewunmi (Jaguar Sports FC)

Read More

Nigeria thump Niger Republic, qualify for 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations

Our Reporters03 mins

Cup holders Nigeria reached the final of the 2024 WAFU B U20 Championship in style on Sunday, after a come-from-behind 3-1 thumping of Niger Republic’s Junior Mena in Lome, in the process earning a ticket to next year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations. The neighbours to the north went in front after only nine minutes of the second semi-final at the Stade Kegue, but just as they did against Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday, the seven-time African champions were unruffled. Instead, they found a better shape and dominated afterwards, scoring three marvelous goals that took them to the Final, where they clash with West African arch rivals Ghana, who had earlier seen off Cote d’Ivoire 2-1. Against the run of play, the Junior Mena came close to doubling their advantage in the 33rdminute, but Nigeria survived and shortly after, found the equalizer that their endeavour merited.  Clinton Jephta finished with aplomb from outside the box to put Flying Eagles on level terms in the 35th minute, after an eye-catching interchange of passes among Kparobo Arierhi, Abba Maigari and Nasiru Salihu. Jephta was on song again 13 minutes after the restart, putting Nigeria ahead for the first time in the match, and goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt deserves praise for his excellent saves that maintained Nigeria’s advantage. The Flying Eagles netted the third in added time, through Olalekan Alonge. President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, said: “I commend the fighting spirit of the Flying Eagles in reaching the final of the WAFU B U20 Championship and in the process, winning a slot at the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations. I watched their first match against Burkina Faso (which they lost 0-1) but the team has continued to improve with every match since then. “The NFF is delighted with their performance. We believe they have what it takes to go all the way and successfully defend their title against the Ghanaians in Wednesday’s Final.”

Read More

WAFU B U20: Flying Eagles soar over Elephants into semi-finals

Our Reporters03 mins

Nigeria came from behind to edge a flaming battle with Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 in Lome on Thursday to reach the semi-finals of this year’s WAFU B U20 Championship. In the event, Burkina Faso’s Young Etalons were eliminated on inferior goal-count against those of the Flying Eagles and the Young Elephants. Nigeria scored two goals and conceded two, same for the Ivorians, with all three teams in group B finishing with three points each. The Burkinabes scored one and conceded one, in beating Nigeria and losing to the Ivorians, by the odd goal each way. Victory handed Aliyu Zubair’s side the opportunity to continue chasing the defence of their title, won in Niamey two years ago. A feisty first half at the Municipal Stadium ended scoreless. Bidemi Amole’s hopeful shot from distance sailed wide, while striker Kparobo’s powerful shot was pushed out for a corner by the Ivorian goalkeeper. In the 39th minute, Nigeria’s appeal for a penaltywas rejected by the referee. As the first half drew to a close, the Flying Eagles continued to press, with Amole’s effort crashing against the crossbar. The second half witnessed increased urgency from the Flying Eagles. Côte d’Ivoire’s effort was chalked off in the 48th minute, and Nigeria’s striker Kparobo was denied by the goalkeeper in the 53rd minute. Amole, again, came close soon after. The Ivorians finally broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, but Clinton Jephta equalized for Nigeria shortly after. Kparobo Arierhi scored the winning goal, securing a 2-1 win for the Flying Eagles. “We showed resilience and determination,” said Coach Aliyu Zubairu, “We’re delighted with the victory and look forward to the semi-finals.” Nigeria will take on Niger Republic in Saturday’s semi-finals.

Read More

WAFU B U20 Tourney: Zubair lists Agada, Salihu, 18 others as Soname promises naira rain

Our Reporters03 mins

Head Coach Aliyu Zubair has selected talented midfielder Nasiru Salihu and forward Charles Agada among a list of 20 players to fly Nigeria’s flag at the WAFU B U20 Championship kicking off in Lome, Togo on Thursday. The championship is a qualifying tournament for next year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations. The contingent of 20 players and 12 officials arrived in Lome on Tuesday afternoon, following an intensive, one-week final camping programme at the high-grade Remo Stars Training Complex in Ikenne, Ogun State. Proprietor of the institute and president of Nigeria Premier Football League club Remo Stars, Hon. Kunle Soname has promised the Flying Eagles the sum of N5 million if the Cup holders successfully defend their title in Togo and return the trophy home. He also gave the team the sum of N1 million on departure from the institute on Monday. The Flying Eagles won the last edition of the competition staged in Niamey, capital of Niger Republic. They will take on their counterparts from Burkina Faso on Friday, in their first match of the competition, and will also play Cote d’Ivoire in a three-team Group B, with the two best teams to reach the semi finals. Group A has hosts Togo, Ghana, Niger Republic and Benin Republic. FLYING EAGLES FOR 2024 WAFU B U20 CHAMPIONSHIP Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Nathaniel Nwosu (Nasarawa United) Defenders: Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Kenneth Igboke (Enugu Rangers); Haruna Aliyu (Doma United); Musa Ademu (Wireless FC); Olalekan Alabi (El-Kanemi Warriors) Midfielders: Raphael Oyebanjo (Shuffle Select FC); Muhammad Ibrahim (Niger Tornadoes); Oluwaseyi Akinfenwa (Real Sapphire FC); Ibrahim Abdullahi (Bayelsa United); Isaac Ayuma (NK Istra, Croatia); Nasiru Salihu (El-Kanemi Warriors) Forwards: Divine Oliseh (Forster FC); Charles Agada (Mavlon FC); Kparobo Arierhi (Beyond Limits FC); Olalekan Amole (Real Sapphire FC); Olalekan Ibrahim (Central Academy); Clinton Jephta (Enyimba FC)

Read More

WAFU B U20 Tourney: Flying Eagles to relocate to Ikenne

Our Reporters01 mins

Nigeria’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles, will move to Ikenne, Ogun State for a final camping programme ahead of their participation at this year’s WAFU B U20 Championship in Togo. The 2023 FIFA World Cup quarter-finalists will camp at the high-grade Remo Sports Institute for a week before departing for Lome, where they tackle Burkina Faso and Cote d’Ivoire in a three-team Group B, in their quest to defend the title they won in Niger Republic two years ago. Hosts Togo will battle Ghana, Benin Republic and Niger Republic in Group A of the competition that is scheduled for 17th – 31st October. The championship in Togo serves as the qualifying tournament for next year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations, from where the top-placed four teams will qualify to fly Africa’s flag at next year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile.

Read More