Nigeria's U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, are scheduled to depart for Côte d'Ivoire on July 20 to begin the final phase of their preparations for the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
A team official confirmed that the squad will continue its build-up in Abidjan before the regional tournament gets underway on July 26.
"We are leaving Nigeria for Côte d'Ivoire on July 20 to continue our preparations for the WAFU B U-20 Tournament, which also serves as the qualifying competition for the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations," the official told BSN Sports.
Seven nations will compete in this year's championship, including hosts Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin Republic and Niger Republic.
The West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B is expected to conduct the tournament draw in the days leading up to the competition.
The championship will take place in Abidjan from July 26 to August 9 and will determine the region's representatives for the 2027 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Head coach Abdu Maikaba has been overseeing preparations in Abuja, with the Flying Eagles intensifying training as they aim to reclaim the regional title.
Nigeria lifted its maiden WAFU B U-20 Championship in 2024 after defeating Ghana 2-1 in the final, a triumph that also secured qualification for the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Flying Eagles came close to retaining the title in the 2025 edition but were beaten 1-0 by hosts Côte d'Ivoire in the final, finishing as runners-up.
Established in 2018, the WAFU B U-20 Championship serves as the qualifying competition for the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, making it a crucial tournament for the region's emerging talents.