AFCON U20: Coach Zubairu opens Flying Eagles door for Inter Milan, OGC Nice, Genk wonderkids

Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has pledged to give Nigeria’s foreign-based talents the opportunity to join the squad for the upcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa, Soccernet.ng reports.

After leading a predominantly home-based squad to victory at the WAFU B U-20 Championship in Lome, Togo, last month, Zubairu is now considering overseas-based players to bolster his team.

The Flying Eagles clinched the WAFU B title after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ghana in the final, securing a place in the Africa U-20 tournament alongside the Black Satellites.

With AFCON scheduled for early next year, Zubairu is opening the door to Nigerian youngsters excelling in European leagues to strengthen the squad.

Speaking to members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Ilorin, Zubairu confirmed his commitment to integrating foreign-based players if they meet the required standards.

“We will not hinder their participation and are committed to selecting those with the necessary skills,” Zubairu said. 

Among the exciting Nigerian prospects eligible for the Flying Eagles are Inter Milan midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, currently on loan at Sampdoria, and Alvin Okoro of Vis Pesaro in Italy’s Serie C.

Also in contention are OGC Nice forward Vince Orakpo, Genk left-back Christian Akpan, Hapoel Jerusalem attacker Andrew Idoko, and Valerenga winger Onyebuchi Obasi.

Kalmar FF’s Vince Osuji, an 18-year-old defender, could also help fortify a defence that struggled to keep clean sheets during the WAFU B Championship.

Zubairu has already voiced concerns about his team's defensive vulnerability, as the Flying Eagles conceded in every match of the regional tournament.

“I’m somewhat dissatisfied with our defence; we were conceding goals consistently. This vulnerability cannot be overlooked on a larger stage,” he stated.

The Flying Eagles are the most successful national team at the U20 AFCON, winning the tournament a record seven times.

However, Nigeria have not reclaimed the honour since 2015 when a team that had Taiwo Awoniyi and Obinna Nwobodo romped to glory in Senegal.