“We are not there yet” – Bameyi speaks as Flying Eagles defeat Côte d’Ivoire U20

Flying Eagles captain Daniel Bameyi has admitted that the team is still a work in progress despite their 2-0 victory over Côte d’Ivoire U-20 in an international friendly on Thursday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria’s U-20 team, preparing for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations slated to be held in Cote d’Ivoire, secured the win in the first of their two scheduled friendlies against the Young Elephants.

After a goalless first half, Bameyi put the Flying Eagles ahead from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute after Divine Oliseh was fouled in the box.

International Friendly: Nigeria thrash Cote d’Ivoire 2-0 in Abidjan

The Flying Eagles were emphatic 2-0 winners over hosts Young Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in the first of two international friendly matches at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in the heart of the Ivorian capital… pic.twitter.com/qNLHfHs0vu

— Adepoju Tobi Samuel (@OgaNlaMedia) February 26, 2025

Oliseh later got on the scoresheet himself, finishing off a brilliant assist from Faruq Jimoh in the 82nd minute to seal the win.

Despite the positive result, Bameyi insists the Flying Eagles are still in the development phase. Speaking to Soccernet.ng after the game, he said:

“We feel good, but most importantly, you must know that we are not there yet. We are still under preparation, working hard to get better and better.”

On what Nigerians should expect from the team, Bameyi reassured fans of their commitment to success.

“As I said, we are still under preparation. We are expected to come out with something great as champions of the WAFU tournament, and we are working towards that.”

The Flying Eagles will face Côte d’Ivoire again in their second friendly as they continue fine-tuning their squad for the continental tournament in Ivory Coast.