Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, are gearing up for a challenging campaign at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Egypt. After a series of preparatory camps in Katsina and Abuja, the team is now headed to Egypt for final acclimatization and training before the tournament kicks off on April 27.
The Flying Eagles have been drawn into Group B, where they will face stiff competition from Tunisia, Kenya, and Morocco. This North African test will be crucial for Nigeria, as they aim to extend their record as seven-time champions of the tournament. The team’s performance will also determine their qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile later this year, with all four semi-finalists in Egypt securing spots.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu, who led the team to retain their WAFU B U20 Championship title, the Flying Eagles have assembled a strong squad. The team includes seven foreign-based players, such as Soliu Ajia, Chukwu Emmanuel, and Umar Abubakar, who have joined the camp in Abuja to bolster the squad’s depth and talent.
As the team prepares to depart for Egypt, they are focused on adapting to the local weather conditions and fine-tuning their tactics. The tournament’s new host, Egypt, presents a different climate compared to the original host, Cote d’Ivoire, necessitating a quick adjustment by the players.
The Flying Eagles’ campaign will begin on April 30 at the Amadu Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo, although this appears to be a scheduling error since the tournament is hosted in Egypt. The team’s actual schedule in Egypt will be crucial as they navigate the group stages against their North African opponents. With a strong squad and determined coaching staff, Nigeria is poised to make a significant impact at the U-20 AFCON and secure a spot at the FIFA U20 World Cup.
