Flying Eagles bank on midfield, passing game to dazzle at U20 AFCON tourney

Coach Aliyu Zubairu is banking on the numbers and quality in midfield for the Flying Eagles to play an expansive passing game to fly high at the WAFU B U20 AFCON qualifying tournament in Togo, which begins Thursday.

Zubairu has named seven midfielders on his final 20-man squad with two from his NPFL club El Kanemi Warriors – Nasiru Salihu and Suleyman Alabi.

The Flying Eagles coach led El Kanemi to not only outscore Abia Warriors in the President Federation Cup final, but outclassed them with their passing game.

Last-minute addition to the engine-room is Muhammad Sabiu Ibrahim from Niger Tornadoes, who has replaced Daniel Daga, whose international passport issue has not been resolved.

This season, the former Mailantarki star scored on his NPFL debut against Kwara United in Ilorin.

Central midfielder Israel Ayuma, who already plies his trade in Croatia, is tall and well-built to do battle in what will most likely be a physically demanding competition.

Defensive midfielder Ibrahim Abdullahi is one of three players from the Flying Eagles Class of 2023, while Oliseh Divine is an exciting attacking midfielder, who is comfortable on the ball and has an eye for goal.

The Full Squad:

Goalkeeper: Nathaniel Nwosu (Nasarawa United), Harcourt Ebenezer (Sporting Lagos)

Defenders: Adamu Maigari (El Kanemi) Daniel Bamayi (Bayelsa United), Musa Adamu (Wireless), Haruna Aliyu (Doma United), Kenneth Igboke (Enugu Rangers)

Midfielders: Raphael Oyebanjo (Shuffle), Nasiru Salihu (El Kanemi), Muhammad Sabiu Ibrahim (Niger Tornadoes), Oliseh Divine (Academy), Israel Ayuma (NK Istra/Croatia), Ibrahim Abdullahi (Bayelsa United), Suleyman Alabi (El Kanemi)

Forwards: Alonge Ibrahim (Academy), Kparabo Arieri (Beyond Limits), Clinton Jephta (Enyimba), Charles Agada (QPR/England), Bidemi Amole, Musa Akinfenwa (Real Sapphire)