Obi Anthony, a talented midfielder from Granada CF's Juvenil A team, has been called up to the Flying Eagles squad in preparation for the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations AFCON. Nigeria’s U20 head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, will closely assess the young player this month to determine his inclusion in the final squad for the tournament in Ivory Coast, which runs from April 26 to May 18, 2025.
Anthony joined Granada in December 2024 after previously playing for Moralo CP in Spain’s Tercera Federación fifth tier. Known for his creativity and flair, this move to Granada marked a significant step in his young career.
The Flying Eagles will compete in Group B, where they face tough opposition in Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa. As part of their preparations, Nigeria played two friendlies against Ivory Coast’s Young Elephants last month, winning the first match 2-0 but losing the second by the same scoreline.
The upcoming AFCON tournament will also serve as a qualifier for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, with four spots up for grabs.
Editorial
The call-up of Obi Anthony to the Flying Eagles reflects the growing recognition of Nigerian talents developing abroad. His rapid rise from Spain’s lower divisions to Granada’s youth team, and now potentially representing Nigeria at a major continental tournament, is a story of perseverance and ambition.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2025 U20 AFCON, the challenge for Coach Aliyu Zubairu will be finding the right balance between foreign-based players like Anthony and homegrown talent. While players from European academies bring technical refinement and exposure, local players often have a unique physicality and understanding of African football’s demands.
The upcoming group stage fixtures are not to be taken lightly. With Egypt and Morocco as past champions and South Africa consistently producing competitive teams, the Flying Eagles will need their best talent on the pitch. Players like Anthony could provide the creative spark and midfield composure required to navigate these tough encounters.
Beyond the immediate goal of qualifying for the U20 World Cup, this tournament offers a platform for Nigeria’s next generation of stars. If nurtured correctly, players from this group could soon be knocking on the doors of the Super Eagles, continuing the tradition of Nigerian youth teams producing global football icons.
Did You Know?
- The Flying Eagles have won the Africa U20 Cup of Nations seven times.
- Granada CF’s senior team competes in La Liga, Spain’s top football division.
- Nigeria last reached the FIFA U20 World Cup final in 1989 and 2005, finishing as runners up both times.
- Victor Osimhen, now a global star, was once a product of Nigeria’s youth football system, winning the Golden Boot at the 2015 U17 World Cup.
- The FIFA U20 World Cup 2025 in Chile will be the 24th edition of the tournament.
