Nigeria Players Abroad
Flying Eagles edge Zuenoula in final warm-up before WAFU B U-20 opener
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles completed their build-up to the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship with a 2-1 friendly win over Ivorian Ligue 2 side Athletique Club de Zuenoula on Friday, sealing victory late on in Yamoussoukro.
Abdu Maikaba’s team went in front after 33 minutes when Gift Subi climbed above the Zuenoula defence to head in from a well-delivered corner, giving Nigeria an early advantage in their last preparatory outing.
The hosts, however, hit back soon after half-time, finding an equaliser shortly after the restart to level the contest and briefly shift the momentum in favour of the Ivorian side.
Maikaba introduced fresh legs in the second period and one of his substitutes produced the decisive moment. With 12 minutes remaining, Abdulmuiz Adeleke struck in the 78th minute to restore Nigeria’s lead and ultimately secure the narrow victory.
The result offers a timely psychological lift for the seven-time African champions as they turn their focus to their opening Group B fixture at the WAFU B U-20 Championship, where they will face long-standing rivals Ghana’s Black Satellites on Monday in Yamoussoukro.
Nigeria head into the regional tournament as defending champions and are targeting back-to-back WAFU B titles. Progress in the competition carries added significance, with the Flying Eagles also chasing one of the two qualification berths on offer for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
The 2027 continental finals will be hosted by Ghana, adding another competitive edge to Monday’s clash between the neighbours as both nations seek early momentum in Group B.
The friendly against Athletique Club de Zuenoula marked the conclusion of Nigeria’s on-pitch preparations, following their arrival and settling into camp in Yamoussoukro ahead of the meeting with the Black Satellites.
Maikaba will now assess his players’ performances from the workout against the Ivorian club side as he finalises his starting line-up and tactical approach for the group opener, with the Flying Eagles aiming to translate their encouraging warm-up form into competitive success in WAFU B.