The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially conducted the draws for the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with Nigeria’s Flying Eagles placed in a challenging Group B alongside Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco.
A Tough Path for the Flying Eagles
Nigeria Players is reacting during the 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations football match between Egypt and Nigeria at Cairo Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, on February 22, 2023. (Photo by Abeer Ahmed/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
As seven-time champions, Nigeria enters the tournament as the most successful team in U20 AFCON history. However, their quest for another title will not be easy, as they face three formidable opponents in what is already being dubbed the “Group of Death.”
Egypt, a three-time winner (1991, 2003, 2013), and Morocco, champions in 1997, bring a wealth of experience to the group. South Africa, though yet to win the competition, finished as runners-up in 1997 and remain a dangerous side at this level.
Despite the tough draw, the Flying Eagles will back themselves to progress. Nigeria last won the tournament in 2015 and will be eager to reclaim continental glory. Their recent form has been encouraging, having secured the WAFU B regional title with a convincing 3-1 victory over Ghana in the final. That triumph has boosted confidence in the squad as they prepare for the AFCON challenge.
Early Test Against Egypt
Nigeria’s players are reacting during the 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations football match between Egypt and Nigeria at Cairo Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, on February 22, 2023. (Photo by Ahmed Awaad/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Nigeria will get an early taste of what to expect in Group B, with two scheduled friendly matches against Egypt later this month. These games will provide the Flying Eagles with a valuable opportunity to assess their strengths and weaknesses ahead of the tournament.