Eric Chelle Arrives in Egypt to Watch Flying Eagles at U20 AFCON
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, arrived in Egypt on 5th May, to watch Nigeria’s U20 team, the Flying Eagles, as they continue their campaign at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.
With the Unity Cup in London just weeks away, Chelle is making early moves to scout new talent for the senior national team.
According to ScoreNigeria, Chelle will land in Cairo to join the Flying Eagles camp, led by coach Aliyu Zubairu. The seven-time champions have started their tournament with a 1-0 win over Tunisia and a goalless draw against Morocco. They currently sit second in Group B, level on four points with Morocco but behind on goals scored.
Nigeria’s final group match will be against Kenya on Wednesday, 7 May. A big win — possibly by three goals — could help them finish top of the group and earn a better opponent in the quarter-finals. Morocco will face Tunisia in the other Group B fixture.
Chelle’s visit highlights the importance of the U20 team as a key path to the Super Eagles. Top players like John Mikel Obi, Victor Osimhen, Taye Taiwo, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Samuel Chukwueze all came through the U20 ranks.
Midfielder Auwal Ibrahim and captain Daniel Bameyi have already impressed in Egypt, winning Most Valuable Player awards in the matches against Tunisia and Morocco, respectively.
Chelle is expected to use his visit to finalise his squad for the Unity Cup, which will run from 27 to 31 May in London. Nigeria will face Ghana in the semi-final, with Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago also taking part in the tournament. He is also preparing for an international friendly against Russia in June.
The Flying Eagles last won the U20 AFCON in 2015. They will hope Chelle’s presence in Cairo gives them the boost they need to go all the way and possibly open doors for a few players to join the Super Eagles soo
