Eric Chelle charges Flying Eagles ahead of WAFU-B U-20 Championship
Nigeria's Flying Eagles have received a timely dose of motivation from Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle as they intensify preparations for the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire.
Chelle visited the seven-time African champions at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Friday, shortly after the team wrapped up a dominant 5-0 victory over Bussdor United in a friendly encounter.
The emphatic win underlined the growing confidence within the squad as preparations gather pace ahead of next month's regional tournament.
Addressing the players after the match, the Super Eagles boss urged the young stars to remain disciplined, focused, and committed to the guidance of their coaches if they hope to achieve success in the game.
"If you want to succeed and go far in achieving your dreams, you have to be focused and, secondly, listen attentively to your coaches," Chelle told the squad.
The Franco-Malian tactician stressed that discipline and dedication remain key ingredients for any footballer hoping to reach the highest level.
"If you do these, the sky will definitely be your starting point, and your chances of succeeding will be very high," he added.
The Flying Eagles head into the competition with a rich pedigree. Nigeria's U-20 side remains one of Africa's most successful youth teams, having won the continental title seven times and finished as runners-up twice at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Their latest victory over Bussdor United forms part of an intensive build-up programme aimed at fine-tuning the squad before the championship begins.
Beyond regional bragging rights, the stakes are high in Côte d’Ivoire, with the tournament serving as a qualifying route to the next U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
With the countdown now well underway, the focus for the Flying Eagles will be on sustaining their impressive form, strengthening team chemistry, and ensuring they arrive in Côte d’Ivoire ready to compete.
The 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship will take place from July 26 to August 9, with seven nations from the WAFU Zone B region set to battle for regional supremacy and coveted qualification spots for the continental showpiece.
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