Soccer
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles now know their path at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, with fixtures confirmed for their group-stage matches against Tunisia, Morocco, and Kenya, Soccernet.ng reports.
The tournament, set to take place in Egypt from April 27 to May 18, will feature the continent’s finest young talents.
Nigeria, seven-time champions and the most successful nation in the competition’s history, qualified for the tournament after winning the WAFU B regional championship last year, defeating Ghana in the final.
Originally grouped alongside Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco, the initial draw was reshuffled following Ivory Coast’s withdrawal as hosts.
Egypt stepped in, prompting a new draw, which was conducted on Sunday. Nigeria retained its seeded status and was placed in Group B, alongside Tunisia, Morocco, and debutants Kenya.
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The Flying Eagles will begin their campaign against Tunisia on May 1 at 4pm Nigerian time. The North Africans, making their third appearance in the tournament, reached the semi-finals in the last edition but were beaten 4-0 by Nigeria in the third-place match.
Nigeria’s second group match will be against Morocco on May 4 at 7pm. The Moroccans, six-time participants, claimed their only title back in 1997 and will pose a tricky test for Nigeria.
The Flying Eagles’ adventure in the group stage wraps up with a clash against tournament newcomers Kenya on May 7 at 4pm. Nigeria, with its pedigree and experience, will be firm favourites in that encounter.
Beyond reclaiming a title last won in 2015, the Flying Eagles will also be aiming to secure qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. The four semi-finalists in Egypt will represent Africa at the global tournament.
The opening game of the championship sees hosts Egypt take on South Africa on April 27, with the final scheduled for May 18.
Soccer U20 AFCON GROUP STAGE SCHEDULE
GROUP A
- 27 April 2025: Egypt v South Africa
- 27 April 2025: Zambia v Sierra Leone
- 30 April 2025: Sierra Leone v Egypt
- 30 April 2025: South Africa v Tanzania
- 3 May 2025: Tanzania v Sierra Leone
- 3 May 2025: Egypt v Zambia
- 6 May 2025: Zambia v Tanzania
- 6 May 2025: Sierra Leone v South Africa
- 9 May 2025: South Africa v Zambia
- 9 May 2025: Tanzania v Egypt
GROUP B
- 1 May 2025: Nigeria v Tunisia
- 1 May 2025: Kenya v Morocco
- 4 May 2025: Tunisia v Kenya
- 4 May 2025: Morocco v Nigeria
- 7 May 2025: Nigeria v Kenya
- 7 May 2025: Tunisia v Morocco
GROUP C
- 2 May 2025: DR Congo v Ghana
- 2 May 2025: Senegal v Central African Republic
- 5 May 2025: Central African Republic v DR Congo
- 5 May 2025: Ghana v Senegal
- 8 May 2025: Senegal v DR Congo
- 8 May 2025: Central African Republic v Ghana
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
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