Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, seven-time African champions, are preparing to kick off their 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in Korhogo, a northern Ivorian city.
The team, led by head coach Aliyu Zubairu, will be aiming for a strong start in their quest for continental glory and a spot at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Flying Eagles begin their journey on Wednesday, April 30, when they face Egypt’s Young Pharaohs at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium.
The match is set for a 6 PM kickoff (Nigeria time). Three days later, on Saturday, May 3, they will take on Morocco at the same venue, with the match scheduled to begin at 9 PM (Nigeria time).
Subsequently, the team will then wrap up their group stage campaign against South Africa’s Amajita on Tuesday, May 6, at 6 PM (Nigeria time).
To prepare for the competition, the Flying Eagles have been in a closed training camp in Katsina for the past three weeks.
Côte d’Ivoire will host the U-20 AFCON from April 26 to May 18, with the top four teams earning qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
For Nigeria, this tournament presents an opportunity to reassert its dominance at the youth level after reaching the quarter-finals of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina.
Coach Zubairu and his technical team have emphasized discipline, teamwork, and sharp attacking play in their training sessions.
With a rich history in the competition, the Flying Eagles will be looking to make a deep run and challenge for their eighth continental title.
