The ongoing screening process for the Flying Eagles, aimed at selecting players for the 2024 WAFU B U20 Championship in Togo, has come under scrutiny due to interference from government officials, football agents, and academy owners.
Several players involved in the selection at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja, who spoke to The PUNCH on the condition of anonymity, reported that the process has been compromised. They noted that many candidates were sent by influential figures with letters of recommendation, leading to confusion among the technical staff, led by Aliyu Zubairu.
“Some players are here due to pressure from top government officials or agents and academy owners, all vying for spots on the team. Those who were initially dropped were pushed back into consideration by these officials,” one player explained. “The presence of so many agents indicates the extent of the interference.”
Another player voiced concerns about the inadequate conditions in their training camp, describing it as “infested with mosquitoes and bed bugs” before they were eventually moved to a more standard facility, where the food quality remains subpar.
In preparation for the sub-regional tournament in Togo, the Flying Eagles recently played a friendly match against Water FC at the FIFA Goal Project and will next face the Malantaki side. This championship will determine the representative for the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, set to take place from January 1 to 19 in South Africa.
Written By; Christopher Emuakpeje