Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have been hit with minor injury concerns ahead of their second friendly match against Ivory Coast’s U20 team, with Bidemi Amole and Nasiru Salihu missing the final training session due to knocks.

Both players sustained minor injuries during the first game, which Nigeria won 2-0, and were rested as a precaution. The remaining 19 players participated in a light training session at the Lycee Classique de Cocody in Abidjan ahead of the rematch.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 4:30 PM Nigerian time, with Nigeria aiming to maintain their winning momentum as they prepare for the U-20 AFCON.

Editorial

The injury concerns for Bidemi Amole and Nasiru Salihu are a reminder of the physical demands of international football, even at the U-20 level. While their absence from training is precautionary, it highlights the importance of squad depth as the Flying Eagles continue their preparations for the upcoming AFCON tournament.

With the second friendly match against Ivory Coast serving as another key test, head coach Aliyu Zubairu will likely use this opportunity to assess other squad members and experiment with different tactical setups. Friendly matches are not just about winning but also about refining team cohesion, and Nigeria must ensure that all players are prepared for the challenges ahead.

Keeping the squad fit and injury free will be crucial as Nigeria looks to make a strong impact at the U20 AFCON. While Amole and Salihu’s situations don’t appear serious, their recovery will be closely monitored to ensure they are ready when the competitive matches begin.

Did You Know?

1. Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have won the U20 AFCON a record seven times, making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history.


2. The team’s first friendly against Ivory Coast ended in a 2-0 victory, showing their early preparations are paying off.


3. The Lycee Classique de Cocody, where Nigeria trained, is a well-known football facility in Abidjan, often used for youth development programs.


4. Nigeria’s U20 team has produced several Super Eagles stars, including John Mikel Obi, Victor Osimhen, and Kelechi Iheanacho.


5. The 2025 U20 AFCON will also serve as a qualification tournament for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.