Fireworks expected as Flying Eagles tackle Junior Chipolopolo in Abuja
Flying Eagles file out for training in Abuja
By Rasheed Adewuyi
Egypt-bound Nigeria and Zambia U20 teams clash in a high-profile joust at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium on Friday evening in a game that should make sparks fly in Abuja.
The encounter promises a fierce battle between sides gearing up for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations starting in Egypt in a fortnight.
On Thursday afternoon, a 35-man Zambian delegation and winners of the 2017 Africa U20 Cup of Nations championship landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport aboard an Ethiopian Airline flight from Addis Ababa. The contingent comprised 23 players and 12 officials.
They will tackle Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, seven-time champions of the tournament, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium from 4 pm tomorrow.
Champions of the WAFU B U20 Championship held in Niger Republic in May 2022, the Flying Eagles have been drawn to play hosts Egypt, Senegal, and Mozambique in Group A of the Africa U20 Cup of Nations taking place from 18th February to12th March this year.
Zambia won the 2017 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, which they hosted, and then reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA U20 World Cup in South Korea the same year before losing to Italy after extra time in Suwon.
In Egypt, Zambia will go up against Tunisia, Benin Republic, and The Gambia in Group C. At the same time, Uganda, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, and Congo will battle it out in Group B.
