Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu is optimistic about Nigeria’s opening fixture against Tunisia at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
The seven-time champions will begin their quest for an eighth continental title on Thursday when they face the Junior Carthage Eagles at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.
The match is a Group B opener and a crucial first step for Zubairu’s side.
With Group A already in motion Zambia and Sierra Leone playing to a goalless draw, and Egypt picking up three points against South Africa, the pressure is on Nigeria to start strong.
Zubairu and his players are approaching the tournament with a game-by-game mindset, knowing that consistency and focus are key.
Encouragingly, the Flying Eagles are heading into the tournament on a psychological high, following a 2-1 victory over host nation Egypt in a friendly played at the Cairo International Stadium just days after arriving in the country.
“That result has provided a good impetus for us as we prepare to face the Tunisians another North African opposition,” Zubairu told thenff.com.
“You need a result like that when preparing for a competition like this. It does not mean that we will rest on our oars; it only serves to give us much-needed confidence and ginger us to face our challenges better.
“We will go for the maximum points against the Tunisians and then take it one step at a time as we forge ahead.”
Nigeria have recent history on their side, having demolished Tunisia 4-0 in the third-place match at the last edition of the U-20 AFCON.
After Thursday’s clash, the Flying Eagles will go on to face Morocco in their second group fixture, also at the 30 June Stadium.
Tunisia only secured their place in the competition after Côte d’Ivoire, the original hosts, withdrew.
All four semi-finalists of the tournament will earn tickets to represent Africa at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, set for September 27 to October 19.
