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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have been handed a challenging path at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after being drawn in Group B alongside Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco, Soccernet.football reports.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducted the draw, placing the seven-time champions in what many are calling the tournament’s ‘Group of Death.’
All three of Nigeria’s group opponents have a strong pedigree at this level. Morocco won the U20 AFCON in 1997, while Egypt are three-time champions, having claimed the title in 1991, 2003, and 2013. Although South Africa have never won the tournament, they were runners-up in 1997 and remain a formidable side.
Despite the stiff competition, Nigeria will back themselves to advance from the group. The Flying Eagles, the most successful team in U20 AFCON history, last won the title in 2015 and are eager to reclaim continental supremacy.
Take a look at the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2025 three groups!
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) February 13, 2025
Can’t wait for it. ⏳ pic.twitter.com/kAC9m1sHNo
Their preparations for the tournament have been promising. Nigeria recently secured the WAFU B regional title, defeating arch-rivals Ghana 3-1 in the final, a result that has further boosted confidence in the squad.
In an interesting twist, Nigeria will get an early opportunity to test themselves against Egypt, with two friendly matches scheduled for later this month. These games will offer the Flying Eagles a chance to assess their opponents before the tournament kicks off.
Elsewhere, hosts Côte d’Ivoire lead Group A, the only five-team group, alongside DR Congo, Tanzania, Ghana, and a yet-to-be-identified team from the UNIFAC region.
Defending champions Senegal have been drawn in Group C, where they will face 2017 winners Zambia, along with debutants Sierra Leone and Kenya.
The 2025 U20 AFCON is set to take place from 26 April to 18 May, serving not only as a battle for continental glory but also as the qualification route for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. The four semi-finalists will automatically secure their places at the global tournament.
With a tough group ahead, Nigeria will need to be at their best to navigate their way to the knockout rounds and challenge for a long-awaited eighth title.
