Number 9 for Arierhi, 10 for Ayuma as Flying Eagles squad numbers revealed ahead of U20 AFCON clash with Tunisia

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released the final squad lists and official jersey numbers for the 13 national teams participating in the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, including Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Nigeria will battle it out in Group B alongside Tunisia, Morocco, and Kenya for a place in the quarterfinals. As the team prepares to kick off their campaign against Tunisia on Thursday, CAF has confirmed the squad numbers for the Nigerian players.

Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, who has impressed with his performances for Sporting Lagos, has been handed the number 1 shirt.

Captain Daniel Bameyi of Bayelsa United retains his trusted number 6, while Caleb Ochedikwu, currently plying his trade in Croatia, takes number 4.

pic.twitter.com/2TKZpgwvEV

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 29, 2025

Enyimba winger Clinton Jephta, known for his blistering pace and dribbling, will wear number 7, with El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Sulyman Alabi taking number 8.

Leading striker Kparobo Arierhi, top scorer at last year’s WAFU B Championship, has opted for the prestigious number 9 jersey, leaving behind the number 19 he wore with success previously.

The creative responsibility will fall to Isaac Ayuma of Croatian side NK Istra, who has been assigned the iconic number 10 shirt.

Hoffenheim’s Precious Benjamin, praised for his intelligence and range of passing, will wear number 12. Rising star Divine Oliseh, who has caught the eye in recent weeks, takes number 13.

Nigeria’s house full of energy! #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/K08sb4gc1y

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 28, 2025

The Flying Eagles begin their quest for an eighth continental title with a high-stakes clash against Tunisia at Cairo’s 30 June Stadium.

The fixture not only opens Group B but also carries historical weight — 40 years after Nigeria defeated Tunisia in the 1985 final to claim their second U20 crown.

More recently, the Flying Eagles thumped Tunisia 4-0 in the 2023 third-place playoff — also on Egyptian soil.

However, coach Aliyu Zubairu and his side know that past triumphs will count for little if they fail to deliver on Thursday.

With powerhouses like Senegal, Egypt, and Ghana also in the mix, Nigeria must hit the ground running.

Tunisia, who qualified after replacing original hosts Cote d’Ivoire, remain something of an unknown quantity but could prove dangerous if underestimated.