NIGERIA’s emerging rivalry with South Africa got a new toss, yesterday when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) put both teams in the same group in the opening round of the African U-20 Nations Cup billed to be held in Cote d’Ivoire, from April 26 to May 18.
The draw couldn’t have been tougher for the Flying Eagles, who will also battle with Egypt and Morocco at the same stage in Cote d’Ivoire.
Nigeria, seven-time champions of the competition, defeated Egypt 1-0 in a group phase match at the last edition of the competition, which the North Africans hosted. Now, they must ensure a great start to their campaign in Cote d’Ivoire to build confidence for a gritty tournament.
Nigeria finished third in Egypt two years ago.
Former Malian player, Adama Coulibaly, who was an assistant at the draw conducted inside the CAF Headquarters in Egypt, yesterday, said: “There is no doubt that the toughest group is Group B that has Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco.”
Hosts Cote d’Ivoire will have to contend with DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, and the yet-to-emerge representative team of the Central Africa zone, in a five-team group A.
Cup-holders Senegal head Group C, which also has Zambia and two debutants Kenya and Sierra Leone.
The two top-placed teams in each group, alongside the best two third-placed finishers in the three groups, will advance to the championship’s quarterfinals.
The groups are A: Cote d’Ivoire, UNNIFAC, DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania; B: Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Morocco; and C: Senegal, Zambia, Kenya, and Sierra Leone.
