Flying Eagles Record Favourable Results in Three Pre-Tournament Friendlies

Flying Eagles Record Favourable Results in Three Pre-Tournament Friendlies

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria's U-20 men's national team, the Flying Eagles, have continued their preparations for the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Boys Championship with an unbeaten run in a series of friendly matches in Abuja, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Since resuming camp ahead of the regional tournament, the seven-time African champions have played three warm-up games, recording two victories and one draw while scoring nine goals without conceding.

The Flying Eagles began their friendly schedule with a convincing 4-0 victory over SiaOne Football Academy on Tuesday before producing an even more dominant performance on Wednesday, defeating AAFC 5-0.

However, Coach Abdu Maikaba's side were held to a goalless draw by Galadima FC on Thursday in what proved to be a more closely contested encounter.

One of the standout performers during the preparatory matches has been forward Abdul Muiz Adeleke, who has maintained impressive form in front of goal. The youngster has scored four goals in three games, underlining his importance to the team's attacking ambitions ahead of the tournament.

Preparations for the championship began on May 16 when the Flying Eagles opened camp in Abuja. Head coach Abdu Maikaba invited a provisional squad of 35 players, including seven foreign-based stars, as he seeks to assemble a competitive team for the regional competition.

The 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Boys Championship will be hosted by Côte d'Ivoire from July 26 to August 9. The tournament serves as a qualification pathway for the next U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria will compete alongside hosts Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, Togo and Benin Republic in what is expected to be a fiercely contested championship.

With less than two months before the competition kicks off, the Flying Eagles appear to be building momentum as they continue their quest for regional success and qualification for the continental tournament.