U20 Afcon draw: Record seven-time winners Flying Eagles discover group stage opponents

Record seven-time winners Flying Eagles have been drawn into a challenging Group B alongside Tunisia, Kenya, and Morocco for the 2025 TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following Sunday’s official draw ceremony held at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters in Cairo.

The revised draw became necessary after the Ivorian Football Federation withdrew from hosting the tournament on March 26. 

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) subsequently awarded hosting rights to Egypt and nullified the initial draw conducted on February 13.

As one of the seeded nations, Nigeria was automatically placed in position B1, while reigning champions Senegal and hosts Egypt were slotted into C1 and A1, respectively. 

Group B now features a mix of historical pedigree and emerging threats, with Tunisia returning from the previous edition, Morocco eager to make a statement, and Kenya making a long-awaited appearance on the youth continental stage.

The tournament’s format sees Group A comprising five teams, while Groups B and C include four teams each. 

The top two teams from each group, alongside the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals.

This latest draw sets the stage for an intriguing group phase. Tunisia, a familiar foe, boast a disciplined style and continental experience. Morocco, known for their technical prowess and growing youth structure, pose a significant threat. Kenya, while less heralded, cannot be underestimated, especially in a tournament setting.

For Nigeria’s Flying Eagles , the focus now shifts to fine-tuning their preparations in Abuja, where several foreign-based players have recently joined the final training camp. 

The team is also eyeing qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, with this tournament serving as the African qualifiers. CAF also confirmed that the tournament will run from April 27 to May 18 in Egypt.

Wale Adejumo

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