Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have been handed a daunting challenge at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, as they have been drawn into what has been dubbed the “group of death” alongside Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco.
The competition, set to take place from April 26 to May 18, will see Nigeria attempt to reclaim the continental crown for the first time since 2015.
Speaking at the draw held at CAF headquarters in Egypt, former Mali international Adama Coulibaly acknowledged the toughness of Group B, stating:
“There is no doubt that the toughest group is the group that has Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco.”
With seven U-20 AFCON titles under their belt, Nigeria enters the tournament as a strong contender, but they will have to navigate through some of Africa’s most formidable teams just to reach the knockout rounds.
The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed finishers, will advance to the quarterfinals.
The Full Group Stage Draw:
Group A: Côte d’Ivoire, UNIFFAC (Central African representative), DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania
Group B: Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Morocco
Group C: Senegal, Zambia, Kenya, Sierra Leone
Preparations in Full Swing: Egypt Friendlies Set for February
In preparation for this monumental challenge, Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has invited 30 players to camp in Abuja ahead of a two-match tour of Egypt later this month.
Nigeria will face Egypt’s U-20 side in friendly matches on February 25 and 27 in Cairo, offering the team a crucial test against one of their AFCON group-stage rivals.
Team Administrator Aliyu Lawal Ibrahim confirmed the friendlies and emphasized their importance in sharpening the squad for the tournament.
Aiming for the U-20 World Cup
Beyond the continental title, there is an added incentive for teams in this year’s U-20 AFCON, as the top four teams will secure qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile (September 27 – October 19, 2025).
The Flying Eagles, who finished third at the last U-20 AFCON in Egypt, will be eager to secure their place on the world stage once again.
Nigeria’s U-20 side earned their ticket to this year’s AFCON by winning the WAFU-B U-20 Championship in Togo, defeating Ghana 3-1 in the final last October.
Flying Eagles’ Camp List for Egypt Friendlies
Goalkeepers:
- Ifeanyi Harcourt (Sporting Lagos)
- Light Emerenonye (Diamond Academy)
- Abubakar Rufai (Mavlon FC)
Defenders:
- Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors)
- Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United)
- Kenneth Igbokwe (Enugu Rangers)
- Haruna Aliyu (Wikki Tourists)
- Musa Ademu (Wireless FC)
- Shamsudeen Muhammad (Mavlon FC)
- Ibrahim Abdullahi
- Shamsudeen Ishaq (Grassrunner FC)
- Steven Jolomi (Mavlon FC)
Midfielders:
- Raphael Oyebanji (Shuffle Select FC)
- Mohammed Ibrahim (Niger Tornadoes)
- Kizito Opara (Campus Academy)
- Alabi Sulaiman Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors)
- Sulaiman Abubakar (Diamond Academy)
- Shafiu Adamu (Wikki Tourists)
- Cletus Simon (Mavlon FC)
Forwards:
- Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire Academy)
- Clinton Japhet (Enyimba FC)
- Matthew Chukwusa (Morack Academy)
- Nasiru Salihu (El-Kanemi Warriors)
- Divine Olisha (Fostar Academy)
- Jerry Salami (Aspire Academy)
- Oluwaseyi Akinfenwa (Real Sapphire Academy)
- Shola Adelami (Ikorodu City)
- Abdulrahaman Ishaq (Sport Supply Academy)
- Ezekiel Anthony (Aspire Academy)
- Sodiq Olalekan Adewunmi (Jaguar Sports FC)
With just over two months until the U-20 AFCON, all eyes will be on the Flying Eagles to see if they can overcome the odds in the toughest group and reassert their dominance on the continent.
