U20 AFCON: Flying Eagles vs Ivory Coast Friendlies to Be Played Behind Closed Doors

The international friendly between Nigeria’s Flying Eagles and Ivory Coast’s U20 team will be played behind closed doors, organizers have confirmed. The decision means no spectators or media will be allowed to watch the matches live at the stadium.

Scheduled for Wednesday, the friendly serves as an important preparatory test for both teams ahead of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Coaches will use the matches to assess their squads and fine-tune tactics before the tournament begins.

The doubleheader friendly will take place at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny (FHB) Stadium in Abidjan. Both matches are set to kick off at 16:00 local time, allowing the teams to gauge their readiness under competitive conditions.

Ivory Coast, as the host nation, has been placed in Group A of the U20 AFCON. The Young Elephants will be aiming to make a strong impression in front of home supporters when the tournament begins.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, on the other hand, will compete in Group B. The team is focused on refining its squad and improving performances to mount a strong challenge for the continental title.

Both teams are expected to field strong lineups in the friendly encounters, with players looking to secure spots in their respective final squads for the tournament. Coaches will likely experiment with different formations and strategies.

The closed-door nature of the matches is aimed at minimizing distractions and allowing the technical teams to conduct a thorough evaluation of their players. It is unclear whether highlights or post-match footage will be made available to the public.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have a strong history in the U20 AFCON and will be hoping to build on past successes. The team has been undergoing intense training sessions in preparation for the competition.

For Ivory Coast, playing at home presents a significant advantage, and the team will be eager to use the friendly matches to assess its strengths and weaknesses. The coaching staff will be keen on ensuring the squad is fully prepared for the tournament.

With both sides focused on sharpening their squads, the friendly matches will serve as a key test before the U20 AFCON kicks off. Fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on performances and possible standout players from the encounters.