Confirmed XI: Zubairu names strong starting XI as Flying Eagles Face Tunisia in Cairo

Nigeria U20 head coach Aliyu Zubairu has unveiled a strong starting XI as the Flying Eagles kick off their 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian team, aiming for an eighth continental crown, will line up in their familiar formation with several key players trusted to get the job done in this Group B opener.

Sporting Lagos’ shot-stopper Ebenezer Ifeanyi Harcourt gets the nod in goal, while the defensive line features Adamu Bajibir Maigari, team captain Daniel Kolocho Bameyi, Emmanuel Chukwu, and Odinaka Emmanuel Okoro.

In midfield, Zubairu sticks with the trio of Caleb Ikpoma Ochedikwu, Divine Uchechukwu Oliseh, and Auwal Ibrahim, the latter of whom impressed in the team’s pre-tournament friendly win over Egypt.

Leading the attack are Enyimba winger Clinton Degol Jephta, Real Sapphire’s Bidemi Olalekan Amole, and WAFU top scorer Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi, who is expected to carry the team’s goalscoring burden.

STARTING XI

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This group of players blends experience and will be key to Nigeria’s ambitions in a tricky group that also features Morocco and Kenya.

The Flying Eagles defeated Tunisia 4-0 in the third-place playoff of the last U20 AFCON in 2023 and will be hoping for a similar outcome this time around.

Kickoff is set for 4 PM local time in Cairo.

Flying Eagles Starting XI vs Tunisia:

Goalkeeper: Ebenezer Ifeanyi Harcourt

Defenders: Adamu Bajibir Maigari, Daniel Kolocho Bameyi (C), Emmanuel Chukwu, Odinaka Emmanuel Okoro

Midfielders: Caleb Ikpoma Ochedikwu, Auwal Ibrahim, Divine Uchechukwu Oliseh

Forwards: Clinton Degol Jephta, Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi, Bidemi Olalekan Amole