The Flying Eagles have secured a new training facility at the University of Ilorin, the team's Coordinator, Chika Nwankwo, said in Abuja on Wednesday.

Nwankwo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the training facility is the institution's natural grass pitch.

He said the new facility would enable the team to train on grass ahead of their match with South Africa in the qualifying series for the 2013 African Youth Championship (AYC).

The match, which is going to be on natural grass is scheduled to hold in Johannesburg on Sept. 22.

''It is the first leg fixture in the final round of the qualification competition, with the second leg slated for Ilorin between Oct. 5 and Oct. 7.

"It's a big step for us as it is a big natural grass pitch, which is in a very good condition," Nwankwo said.

He lauded the contributions of the authorities of the University of Ilorin in ensuring the team got the facility to use.

"The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, was very supportive and promptly approved our request to use the training ground," the team official said.

The national U-20 male football team have been training in Ilorin since Aug. 22 ahead of the clash with South Africa.

They had been training at the Kwara State Stadium's astro-turf pitch, alongside the Kwara Football Academy.

Nigeria beat Tanzania 4-1 aggregate in the qualifiers' second round, while South Africa beat Congo on the away goals rule after a 2-2 draw. 

NAN