Nigeria's Flying Eagles have touched down in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, as they begin preparations to defend their title at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship.

The squad and their officials departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday morning, flying to Abidjan before making the onward journey to Yamoussoukro — the host city for this year's tournament.

Group B fixtures

Coach Abdu Maikaba's side will open their title defence against the Black Satellites of Ghana on July 27 at the Lycée Scientifique de Yamoussoukro.

Three days later, the Flying Eagles face the Junior Sparrow Hawks of Togo at the same venue, before rounding off their Group B campaign against the Young Stallions of Burkina Faso on August 2, also at the Lycée Scientifique de Yamoussoukro.

A spot at AFCON U-20 up for grabs

Beyond the regional title, the stakes are high — the tournament doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, giving every side an additional incentive to advance deep into the competition.