The draws for the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations have been concluded by the Confederation of African Football, Soccernet.ng reports.
Seven-time champions Nigeria have been handed a tough path at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after being drawn in a challenging Group B alongside Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco.
Take a look at the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2025 three groups!
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) February 13, 2025
Can’t wait for it. ⏳ pic.twitter.com/kAC9m1sHNo
The draw, conducted on Thursday February 13, has placed the Flying Eagles in what many are calling the tournament’s ‘Group of Death,’ featuring three former champions.
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Morocco, winners of the 1997 edition, and Egypt, three-time champions (1991, 2003, 2013), bring plenty of pedigree to the group.
Meanwhile, South Africa, though yet to lift the U20 AFCON trophy, finished as runners-up in 1997 and remain a competitive force at this level.
Despite the tough opposition, Nigeria will back themselves to progress from the group.
As the most successful team in U20 AFCON history with seven titles, the Flying Eagles have a strong reputation in youth football.
However, they have not won the competition since 2015 and will be eager to reclaim continental glory.
Their preparations have been promising so far.
Nigeria recently claimed the WAFU B regional title, defeating fierce rivals Ghana 3-1 in the final. That triumph has bolstered confidence in the squad ahead of their latest AFCON campaign.
In an interesting twist, Nigeria will get an early opportunity to test their strength against Egypt, with two scheduled friendly matches later this month.
These games will offer the Flying Eagles a valuable chance to assess their opponents before the tournament kicks off.
Elsewhere in the draw, Group A features hosts Côte d'Ivoire, DR Congo, Tanzania, Ghana, and a yet-to-be-identified team from the UNIFAC region, making it the only group with five teams.
13 Teams.
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) February 13, 2025
1 Dream.
Our TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2025 qualified teams are ready for the draw. ✍️ pic.twitter.com/Y4cJt59KDM
Meanwhile, defending champions Senegal have been placed in Group C, where they will face 2017 winners Zambia, along with debutants Sierra Leone and Kenya.
The 2025 U20 AFCON is set to take place from 26 April to 18 May, serving not only as a battle for continental supremacy but also as the qualification route for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
The four semi-finalists will automatically secure their spots at the global tournament.
With a tough group ahead, Nigeria will need to be at their best to navigate their way to the knockout rounds and push for their first U20 AFCON title in a decade.
