NIGERIA’s Flying Eagles will kick off their campaign for an eighth U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title on Thursday when they face Tunisia’s Junior Carthage Eagles at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo in the opening Group B fixture.
The fixture evokes memories of 40 years ago when Nigeria defeated Tunisia to win their second continental crown. That win, earned over two legs, saw the Flying Eagles draw 1-1 away in Tunis before sealing a 2-1 win in Lagos. Nigeria trounced Tunisia 4-0 in the third-place match of the 2023 U20 AFCON, also hosted by Egypt.
Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu has urged his side to take each game as it comes, with formidable opposition in Cup holders Senegal, hosts Egypt, and four-time champions Ghana also in contention for honours.
Group A has already witnessed action, with Egypt defeating South Africa to claim an early three points, while Zambia and Sierra Leone settled for a goalless draw. In Group C, Ghana face a tough challenge against defending champions Senegal, the Central African Republic, who knocked out Cameroon, and the unpredictable DR Congo.
Nigeria, while favoured, must remain cautious. Their only final losses since the tournament moved from a two-legged format to a full tournament have come against host nations: Ghana in 1999 and Congo in 2007. However, they beat Senegal on home soil to claim the title in 2015.
Following Thursday’s clash with Tunisia, Nigeria will face 1997 champions Morocco, also at the 30 June Stadium.
Coach Zubairu is upbeat after Nigeria defeated Egypt 2-1 in a friendly just two days after arriving in Cairo.
“That result gives us a psychological lift ahead of the Tunisia game,” Zubairu said.
“It’s a confidence booster, but we’re not getting carried away. Our aim is maximum points, and we’ll build from there.”
Key players expected to make an impact include Kparobo Arierhi, who scored in the win over Egypt and netted three goals during the WAFU B qualifiers; Germany-based Precious Benjamin; and home-based duo Clinton Jephta and Divine Oliseh.
Tunisia, meanwhile, only made it to the finals after the original hosts, Côte d’Ivoire, withdrew, handing them a lifeline.
The top four teams at this tournament will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled for September 27 to October 19, 2025.
Flying Eagles Squad:
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).