In a clash steeped in history and ambition, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles begin their quest for an eighth Africa U20 Cup of Nations title on Thursday, squaring off against the Junior Carthage Eagles of Tunisia at the iconic 30 June Stadium in Cairo. The match marks the opening encounter in Group B and a pivotal first step for the West Africans toward reclaiming continental dominance.
The rivalry runs deep. Exactly 40 years ago, the Flying Eagles edged Tunisia over two legs to win their second title, drawing 1-1 in Tunis and clinching a 2-1 victory in Lagos. More recently, Nigeria ran riot with a 4-0 win in the 2023 third-place match in Egypt, underlining their supremacy over the North African side.
READ ALSO: NSC Boss Charges Sports Federation Secretaries to Embrace Innovation for National Sports Development
Now under the guidance of Coach Aliyu Zubairu, Nigeria’s U20 squad enters the tournament with high confidence following a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over hosts Egypt in a friendly earlier this week. “It was the result we needed to charge the boys mentally,” said Zubairu. “But the real work begins now, and we must take it one game at a time.”
Nigeria’s campaign won’t be a walk in the park. Group B features 1997 champions Morocco and Kenya, while elsewhere, defending champions Senegal and four-time winners Ghana bolster a fiercely competitive Group C. Group A hosts Egypt, fresh off a win against South Africa, will also be a formidable force, especially given Nigeria’s historical struggles in finals hosted by rivals.
Among Nigeria’s arsenal are top talents like Kparobo Arierhi—who opened scoring against Egypt—alongside Germany-based Precious Benjamin and local stars Clinton Jephta and Divine Oliseh. With attacking flair and defensive grit, the team aims to repeat its 2015 success, when they beat host Senegal in the final.
Interestingly, Tunisia’s presence at the finals is more of a twist of fate. Originally out of contention, they were ushered in after Côte d’Ivoire withdrew from hosting duties at the last moment, creating a second chance the North Africans will be eager to seize.
The stakes are high: the top four teams from this tournament will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile. With history on their side and talent in their ranks, the Flying Eagles begin another journey toward glory—one match, one moment at a time.
