U-20 AFCON: Nigeria eye winning start against Tunisia in Egypt

Nigeria’s quest for an eighth Africa U20 Cup of Nations title kicks off on Thursday as the Flying Eagles face Tunisia’s Junior Carthage Eagles in the opening Group B match at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo. The two nations share a long history in the competition. Forty years ago, Nigeria defeated Tunisia over two […]

Nigeria’s quest for an eighth Africa U20 Cup of Nations title kicks off on Thursday as the Flying Eagles face Tunisia’s Junior Carthage Eagles in the opening Group B match at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.

The two nations share a long history in the competition. Forty years ago, Nigeria defeated Tunisia over two legs to win their second title. More recently, at the 2021 U20 AFCON—also held in Egypt—the Flying Eagles triumphed 4-0 over Tunisia in the third-place match.

Head coach Aliyu Zubairu is urging his team to remain focused and take each game as it comes, aware of the competition posed by fellow title contenders. Reigning champions Senegal, hosts Egypt, and four-time winners Ghana are all strong threats in the tournament.

Despite a historical edge, Nigeria must remain cautious, especially given past final defeats against host nations, losing to Ghana in 1999 and to Congo in 2007. However, they also beat hosts Senegal to win the title in 2015.

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After Thursday’s clash with Tunisia, Nigeria will face Morocco, the 1997 champions, also at the 30 June Stadium.

Zubairu is encouraged by the team’s recent 2-1 victory over Egypt in a warm-up friendly shortly after arriving in Cairo. “That win has boosted our confidence,” he said. “It gives us momentum heading into the tournament, but we remain focused on the task ahead and won’t become complacent.”

The Flying Eagles are looking to build on this early success and add another trophy to their illustrious history in youth football.

“We will go for the maximum points against the Tunisians and then take it one step at a time as we forge ahead.”

All four semi-finalists at the tournament will qualify to fly Africa’s flag at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, 27th September – 19th October.

 

24 FLYING EAGLES AT EGYPT 2025:

Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC); Soliu Ajia Yakub (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia)

Defenders: Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Emmanuel Chukwu (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Chigozie Michael Ihejiofor (Katsina United)

Midfielders: Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Uljanik Pula, Croatia); Israel Isaac Ayuma (NK Istra, Croatia); Simon Cletus (Mavlon FC); Sulaiman Alabi Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors); Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United); Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists)

Forwards: Precious Benjamin (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Ezekiel Anthony Kpangu (Inspire FC); Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy); Clinton Jephta (Enyimba FC); Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire FC); Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC); Theophilus Mendos Rickson (Niger Tornadoes); Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway); Matthew Kingsley (Kings FC); Yushau Armiyau (Katsina United)