By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria have announced that the final phase of camping and players’ selection for the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations slated between February 19 and March 11, 2023 will kick-off Monday January 9 in Abuja, the country’s capital.
Head Coach of Nigeria’s U20 boys, Isah Ladan Bosso, who disclosed this on Saturday in a statement, said up to 35 players from various Nigeria-based clubs have been called up for possible selection ahead of the tournament billed for Egypt.
According to the list of invited players, goalkeeper Nathaniel Nwosu, who is also number one choice for Nigeria’s U23 team also known as Olympic Eagles, is at the top of the roster, alongside midfielder Daniel Daga and forward Promise Bernard.
There are also goalkeeper Chijioke Anigboso, defenders Benjamin Frederick, Nathaniel Tambe and Hassan Shaibu, midfielders Ibrahim Yahaya and Muhammad Aminu, and forwards Adams Olalekan and Ayuba Francis, among others.
Seven-time champions Nigeria will do battle with host nation, Senegal and Mozambique in Group A of the 12-nation competition taking place in the cities of Cairo, Alexandria and Ismailia.
All four semi-finalists at the championship will fly Africa’s flag at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup.
Uganda, Central African Republic, South Sudan and Congo are in Group B, while The Gambia, Tunisia, Benin Republic and Zambia will slot it out in Group C.
The continental showpiece also serves as the qualifying tournament for 2023 FIFA World Youth championship in Indonesia.
