The West African Football Union (WAFU B) U20 Championship gets underway this weekend, in the Ivory Coast with some of the region’s brightest young talents set to showcase their abilities.
The tournament, which serves as the qualifying competition for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, has consistently unearthed future stars who have gone on to make their mark at club level and for their senior national teams.
Nigeria head into this year’s competition under new Flying Eagles head coach Abdu Maikaba. Having served as an assistant coach with the team in 2019, Maikaba now takes charge with the task of guiding Nigeria back to the U20 AFCON.
In their group, the team will be up against Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso in a very strong pairing with the first game on Sunday against bitter rivals Ghana
The Flying Eagles boast an exciting squad that blends players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the Nigeria National League (NNL), academies across the country, and a handful of youngsters already plying their trade abroad. It is a balanced group with quality across the pitch, and Maikaba will be hoping they have what it takes to deliver.
With the tournament set to begin, Footy-Africa highlights five Nigerian players who could light up the competition.
Clinton Lawani (Sporting Lagos)
Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram
A commanding presence between the sticks, Clinton Lawani has enjoyed a rapid rise at Sporting Lagos. The goalkeeper was voted the club’s Fans’ Player of the Season in the 2024/25 campaign before playing a pivotal role in their promotion to the NPFL with a string of outstanding performances that saw him finish just shy of double figures in clean sheets.
Confident in the air, composed with the ball at his feet and an excellent shot-stopper, Lawani has all the qualities to become one of the standout goalkeepers at the tournament. If Nigeria are to make a deep run, expect him to play a crucial role.
Ebrima Manneh (Sporting Supreme)
Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram
Every tournament has that one player capable of producing moments of magic. Ebrima Manneh could be that player for Nigeria.
The Gambian-born winger is an electrifying one-on-one specialist blessed with quick feet, sharp acceleration and fearless dribbling. Defenders rarely enjoy facing him, as he has an uncanny ability to beat his marker and leave them chasing shadows.
While his final ball and finishing still require refinement, the WAFU B Championship offers the perfect platform for the talented winger to add greater consistency to his game.
Imrana Muhammed (Deportivo Alavés)
Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram
This is far from Imrana Muhammed‘s first taste of U20 football.
The Deportivo Alavés youngster was among the youngest players at the 2025 WAFU B U20 Championship, gaining valuable experience despite limited opportunities. A year older and considerably more mature, he returns looking ready to make a far greater impact.
Blessed with pace, flair and confidence in possession, Imrana is capable of producing spectacular moments out of nothing. Having successfully made the step up from the U17s, this could be the tournament where he truly announces himself.
Abdoulaye Agbeloye (Grassrunners)
Some strikers overpower defenders. Abdoulaye Agbeloye simply overwhelms them.
The powerful centre forward combines physicality with intelligent movement, making him a nightmare to contain. Whether holding up play, attacking crosses or bringing teammates into the game, Agbeloye offers Nigeria a genuine focal point in attack.
Comfortable with his back to goal and equally dangerous when running at defenders, the Grassrunners forward has all the tools to dominate at youth level. Now, he must translate that promise from academy football to the international stage.
Abdulmuiz Adeleke (Sporting Supreme)
Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram
Give Abdulmuiz Adeleke half a chance inside the penalty area and he will back himself to hit the target.
The Sporting Supreme forward is an exciting attacking talent who strikes the ball cleanly, stretches defences with intelligent runs and is comfortable playing anywhere across the front line. His versatility and eye for goal make him one of Nigeria’s most dangerous attacking weapons.
Perhaps the biggest improvement in Adeleke’s game has been his growing efficiency in front of goal. Having evolved from a forward who could be wasteful into one with greater composure, he will be eager to improve on his output from the U17 WAFU B Championship two years ago and lead Nigeria’s charge in this year’s tournament.
