Former Flying Eagles<\/a> head coach John Obuh believes Nigeria\u2019s pedigree at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) makes them a major threat to the ambitions of South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco, Soccernet.ng<\/a> reports<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Nigeria booked their place at the 2025 U20 AFCON<\/a> in C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire after winning the WAFU B U20 Championship<\/a> last year.<\/p>\n However, the Flying Eagles now face a tough test, having been drawn in Group B alongside three continental heavyweights \u2014 South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco.<\/p>\n The group has been dubbed the \u2018Group of Death\u2019 due to the historical success of its teams. Between them, Nigeria, Morocco, and Egypt have won 12 U20 AFCON titles, while South Africa finished as runners-up in 1997.<\/p>\n With only three groups in the tournament, the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams.<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/strong><\/p>\n Despite concerns about Nigeria\u2019s chances of progressing, Obuh insists that it is the Flying Eagles\u2019 opponents who should be more worried.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure that if you ask any South African, Egyptian, or Moroccan football expert, they\u2019ll tell you that Nigeria is one of the teams they are worried about in the group,\u201d Obuh told Completesports.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cFootball in Africa has evolved\u2014there are no more minnows. Nigeria has a strong football heritage, especially in this tournament. However, that doesn\u2019t mean we can afford to be complacent. Other countries have improved, and there are no underdogs anymore. The team that prepares better and works harder will have the edge in the group.<\/p>\n \u201cBut first, we must qualify for the World Cup by reaching the semi-finals before thinking about the U-20 AFCON title,\u201d Obuh stressed.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Nigeria\u2019s Flying Eagles are the most successful team in the history of the U20 AFCON, with seven winner\u2019s medals as well as two silver medals and four bronze medals.<\/p>\n However, Nigeria have not won the title in ten years last lifting the trophy in 2015 in Senegal.<\/p>\n![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/02\/imago1053083221-scaled.jpg\")
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Nigeria, a team to fear \u2013 Obuh<\/h4>\n
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Nigeria: World Cup qualification the priority<\/h4>\n
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