Nigeria’s U-20 men’s national team, the Flying Eagles, have continued to build momentum ahead of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Boys Championship, maintaining an impressive unbeaten run in a series of preparatory matches in Abuja.
The seven-time African champions have looked sharp and organized since resuming camp, recording five emphatic victories and one draw in six friendly fixtures. More impressively, the Flying Eagles have scored eleven goals, conceding just one goal, highlighting both their attacking prowess and defensive solidity as preparations intensify for the regional tournament.
Coach Abdu Maikaba’s side opened their warm-up campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over SiaOne Football Academy on Tuesday. The young Nigerians followed up with an even more dominant display on Wednesday, dismantling AAFC 5-0 in a performance that showcased their growing chemistry and attacking depth.
The team’s perfect winning run was halted on Thursday when they played out a goalless draw against Galadima FC. Despite failing to find the breakthrough, the Flying Eagles once again demonstrated defensive discipline, extending their clean-sheet streak to three consecutive matches.
One of the standout performers during the preparation period has been prolific forward Abdul Muiz Adeleke, who has emerged as one of the brightest attacking prospects in camp. Adeleke has scored four goals in three matches, accounting for nearly half of Nigeria’s total goals during the friendly series. His clinical finishing and intelligent movement have made him a key figure in Maikaba’s attacking plans ahead of the championship.
The Flying Eagles commenced preparations for the competition on May 16 when camp opened in Abuja. Head coach Abdu Maikaba invited a provisional squad of 35 players, including seven foreign-based talents, as he begins the process of assembling a formidable squad capable of challenging for regional honours and securing qualification for the next continental championship.
The 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Boys Championship will take place in Côte d’Ivoire from July 26 to August 9, bringing together some of West Africa’s most talented young footballers. The competition will also serve as a qualification pathway for the next U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, adding further significance to every match.
Nigeria will face stiff competition from hosts Côte d’Ivoire, regional rivals Ghana, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, Togo, and Benin Republic in what promises to be a highly competitive tournament.
With less than two months remaining before the opening whistle, the Flying Eagles appear to be heading in the right direction. Their unbeaten run, defensive resilience, and attacking efficiency have provided encouraging signs for Nigerian football fans as the team continues its quest for WAFU Zone B glory and a return to the continental stage.
As preparations gather pace, the Flying Eagles are not only winning matches but also sending a clear message to their rivals: Nigeria intends to be a major contender when the championship begins in Côte d’Ivoire.
