Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are gearing up for a thrilling test at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after being drawn into a challenging Group B alongside Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco. With the tournament set to take place in Côte d’Ivoire from April 26 to May 18, 2025, head coach Aliyu Zubairu is confident in his team’s preparation and ability to compete against Africa’s elite youth teams.
The Flying Eagles, Nigeria’s U-20 national team, will be looking to improve upon their strong showing in the last U-20 AFCON, where they secured a third-place finish after a hard-fought campaign. Their road to qualification was impressive, as they emerged victorious in the WAFU B Zone tournament, reinforcing their reputation as one of Africa’s strongest youth teams.
The upcoming group stage will be a real test, with opponents like Egypt and Morocco known for their structured style of play, while South Africa brings speed and tactical discipline to the mix.
Meanwhile, Group A features host nation Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, and a yet-to-be-determined team from the Central Africa zone. Nigeria will need to be at their best to secure a spot in the knockout rounds and aim for their record-extending eighth U-20 AFCON title. With a history of developing some of Nigeria’s biggest football stars, the Flying Eagles will be keen to make a statement on the continental stage once again.
As the tournament draws closer, all eyes will be on Nigeria’s young talents to see if they can rise to the occasion and bring glory to the nation.