Flying Eagles set for AFCON U-20 campaign in Egypt

By Olaolu Joseph

The 18th TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations is underway in Egypt, and Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are set to begin their campaign on Thursday.

The Nigerian side will aim to lift the trophy for a record-extending eighth time, having previously won the championship seven times. In addition to chasing the title, the Flying Eagles are also targeting qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Grouped in Group B, Nigeria will face North African heavyweights Tunisia and Morocco, as well as Kenya. Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s team will open their campaign against Tunisia on Thursday, May 1. They will then face Morocco on Sunday, May 4, before concluding their group-stage matches against Kenya on Wednesday, May 7.

Coach Zubairu and his players enter the tournament in high spirits, having successfully defended their WAFU B U-20 title in Lomé, Togo, last October. Nigerians are hopeful that the team can replicate that success in Egypt and secure one of the four African tickets to the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Flying Eagles’ Fixtures:

Nigeria vs Tunisia – May 1 (4 p.m.)

Nigeria vs Morocco – May 4 (7 p.m.)

Nigeria vs Kenya – May 7 (4 p.m.)