AFCON U20: Tough draw for Nigeria as Flying Eagles tackle Morocco, Tunisia, and Kenya in Egypt

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles face another daunting test at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations after being drawn into a tricky Group B alongside Morocco, Tunisia, and Kenya, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducted a fresh draw following the withdrawal of Côte d’Ivoire as tournament hosts.

Egypt were subsequently named the new host nation, prompting CAF to reassign them to Group A and reshuffle the groups.

Originally, Nigeria had been placed in a challenging group with Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco in the February draw.

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However, with Egypt now in Group A, the Flying Eagles will instead go head-to-head with North African heavyweights Morocco and Tunisia, as well as East African debutants Kenya, for one of the two qualification spots from Group B.

Nigeria, the most successful nation in U20 AFCON history with seven titles, last lifted the trophy in 2015. They will be hoping to end that drought with a strong showing in Egypt.

The team’s preparations have been encouraging. Aliyu Zubairu’s boys late last year claimed the WAFU B title, defeating long-time rivals Ghana 3-1 in the final—a win that has boosted confidence in the camp ahead of the continental showdown.

The Flying Eagles also spent sometime camping in Katsina before returning to Abuja this week ahead of final preparations for the tournament.

Elsewhere in the draw, hosts Egypt are joined in Group A by South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone, making it the only group with five teams.

Defending champions Senegal will begin their title defence in Group C, where they are grouped with DR Congo, Ghana, and Central African Republic.

The tournament will run from 27 April to 18 May 2025. More than just a race for continental honours, the U20 AFCON also serves as the African qualification event for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. The top four teams — reaching the semi-finals — will secure automatic qualification for the global tournament.