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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will be gunning for all three points when they open their campaign at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations against Tunisia on Thursday in Cairo, Footynaija.com reports.
Head coach Aliyu Zubairu has made it clear that Nigeria’s objective is maximum points in their Group B opener at the 30 June Stadium, as the seven-time African champions begin their push for an eighth continental crown.
“We will go for the maximum points against the Tunisians and then take it one step at a time as we forge ahead,” Zubairu said ahead of the crucial tie, as per the NFF.
The fixture is a repeat of several memorable encounters between the two sides, including Nigeria’s triumph over Tunisia in the 1985 final and a 4-0 third-place win two years ago – also on Egyptian soil.
Zubairu’s confidence has been buoyed by his team’s 2-1 friendly win over Egypt earlier this week, just 48 hours after arriving in Cairo. Kparobo Arierhi opened the scoring, while Germany-based Precious Benjamin and home-based talents Clinton Jephta and Divine Oliseh all impressed.
“That result has provided a good impetus for us as we prepare to face the Tunisians – another North African opposition,” said Zubairu. “It does not mean that we will rest on our oars; it only serves to give us much-needed confidence and ginger us to face our challenges better.”
Nigeria’s house full of energy! #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/K08sb4gc1y
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) April 28, 2025
Tunisia only secured their spot in the tournament after original hosts Cote d’Ivoire withdrew, allowing the Carthage Eagles to step in late.
Group B also features Morocco – Nigeria’s next opponent – with all matches taking place at the 30 June Stadium.
Elsewhere, Egypt top Group A after defeating South Africa, while Ghana face a tricky Group C alongside defending champions Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
All four semi-finalists will earn a place at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled for 27 September to 19 October.
