Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will launch their charge for an eighth U20 Africa Cup of Nations title on Thursday, as they face Tunisia’s Junior Carthage Eagles at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Soccernet.ng reports.
The clash opens Group B and sets the tone for what could be a defining campaign for Aliyu Zubairu’s side.
It’s a fixture steeped in historical significance.
Forty years ago, these two sides clashed in the final, with Nigeria edging it over two legs.
More recently, in 2023, the Flying Eagles thrashed Tunisia 4-0 in the third-place playoff in Egypt. However, history guarantees nothing, and Tunisia will be out to rewrite the narrative.
This edition carries an extra layer of urgency. With heavyweights like defending champions Senegal, hosts Egypt, and four-time winners Ghana all in contention, Nigeria must hit the ground running.
Head to head: Nigeria hold the upper hand
Nigeria have enjoyed a strong recent record over Tunisia at the U20 level.
The 4-0 victory in 2023 remains fresh, while the 1985 final triumph lives in the memory of older fans. That year, Nigeria defeated the Tunisians 3-2 on aggregate to claim their second title.
Tunisia, on the other hand, are yet to truly trouble the Flying Eagles on the continental stage. But as past tournaments have shown, North African teams are always tactically disciplined and technically sharp, perfect spoilers if underestimated.
How they qualified
Nigeria topped the WAFU B U20 Championship in Togo last year, with their attacking flair and defensive discipline on full display.
After losing to Burkina Faso in the opening match, the Flying Eagles roared back to life, defeating Cote d’Ivoire and Niger to reach the final, where they claimed a 2-1 win over rivals Ghana.
Tunisia, in contrast, did not qualify outright. They finished below Morocco and Egypt and outside of the qualifying places during the battle for the AFCON tickets.
However, the Tunisians were handed a lifeline after the original U20 AFCON hosts, Cote d’Ivoire, withdrew, allowing the Carthage Eagles into the tournament as replacements.
This makes them unpredictable, with little recent tournament form to reference, but with nothing to lose.
Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
READ MORE
- U20 AFCON: Six incredible records Nigeria’s Flying Eagles take to Egypt 2025
- Nigeria’s full schedule for the 2025 U20 AFCON: When will the Flying Eagles play Morocco, Tunisia, and Kenya?
- 2025 U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu eyes World Cup ticket
Match Details
- Fixture: Nigeria U20 vs Tunisia U20
- Competition: Africa U20 Cup of Nations, Group B
- Venue: 30 June Stadium, Cairo, Egypt
- Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
- Kickoff time: 4 pm [local time]
What the coach is saying
Aliyu Zubairu is brimming with cautious optimism after his side secured a morale-boosting 2-1 friendly win over Egypt just days after arriving in Cairo.
“That result has provided a good impetus for us. It gives us much-needed confidence. But we won’t rest on our oars,” he said.
“We will go for the maximum points against the Tunisians and take it one step at a time.”
Stars to watch: Nigeria
Kparobo Arierhi
A clinical finisher, Arierhi was the top scorer at WAFU B and opened the scoring in the recent win over Egypt.
Clinton Jephta
A direct winger with great close control and an eye for goal, he will be crucial in breaking down Tunisia’s defensive setup.
Precious Benjamin
The Germany-based midfielder offers composure, intelligence, and a strong passing range, key against North African teams who love midfield battles.
Divine Oliseh
Has come alive in recent weeks with brilliant creativity and confidence. He’s now neck-and-neck with Alabi ‘Jojo’ for the starting attacking midfield role.
Who will likely start for Nigeria?
Zubairu is a man who trusts in preparation. The former El-Kanemi Warriors coach is stuck with a tried-and-tested 4-3-3 formation and a core of players that delivered in the WAFU B tournament. But he’s also open to tweaking his midfield, where the fiercest competition lies.
Zubairu’s likely XI is built on continuity with a few changes forced by form and injury:
Probable Nigeria XI (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Ebenezer Harcourt
- Defenders: Adamu Maigari, Daniel Bameyi (captain), Emmanuel Chukwu, Sunday Joseph
- Midfielders: Caleb Ochedikwu, Auwal Ibrahim ‘Germany’, Divine Oliseh
- Forwards: Clinton Jephta, Kparobo Arierhi, Bidemi Amole
The back four is mostly unchanged from WAFU.
Haruna Aliyu’s last-minute exclusion opens the door for Hoffenheim’s Emmanuel Chukwu to partner Bameyi in central defense.
In midfield, Auwal ‘Germany’ Ibrahim is likely to start ahead of Israel Ayuma, having impressed with crisp passing in the friendly against Egypt. Oliseh’s form gives him a strong edge over Jojo.
Which team will likely win?
Nigeria are the outright favourite on paper. They boast more preparation, tournament pedigree, and cohesion.
Tunisia, parachuted into the competition at the last minute, could be disjointed and lacking rhythm. However, as is often the case with North African teams, their tactical structure and resilience should not be ignored.
Expect Nigeria to dominate possession and apply high pressure early. Tunisia may sit deep and aim for counters. If Zubairu’s side maintain their pressing shape and finishes their chances, the Flying Eagles should soar.
With a fast, technical front line and a midfield finally finding its rhythm, the Flying Eagles are in a strong position to kick off their AFCON campaign with a bang.
Verdict: Nigeria to edge it with a 2-0 or 3-1 scoreline.
24 FLYING EAGLES AT EGYPT 2025:
Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC); Soliu Ajia Yakub (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia)
Defenders: Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Emmanuel Chukwu (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Chigozie Michael Ihejiofor (Katsina United)
Midfielders: Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Uljanik Pula, Croatia); Israel Isaac Ayuma (NK Istra, Croatia); Simon Cletus (Mavlon FC); Sulaiman Alabi Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors); Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United); Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists)
Forwards: Precious Benjamin (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Ezekiel Anthony Kpangu (Inspire FC); Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy); Clinton Jephta (Enyimba FC); Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire FC); Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC); Theophilus Mendos Rickson (Niger Tornadoes); Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway); Matthew Kingsley (Kings FC); Yushau Armiyau (Katsina United)
2025 U20 AFCON
GROUP A: Egypt, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Tanzania
GROUP B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya
GROUP C: Senegal, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ghana
