Flying Eagles puts the eighth title when Nigeria opens the U20 Affon campaign against Tunisia in Cairo

In a crash immersed in history and ambition, Nigeria’s flying eagles begin their search for an eighth title of the U20 Cup of Africa on Thursday, facing the Junior Junior Carthage eagles of Tunisia in the iconic June 30 stadium in Cairo. The match marks the initial encounter in Group B and a first fundamental step for Western Africans towards the recovery of continental domain.

The rivalry is deep. Exactly 40 years ago, the Flying Eagles beat Tunisia on two legs to win their second title, drawing 1-1 in Tunisia and ensuring a 2-1 victory in Lagos. More recently, Nigeria ran disturbances with a 4-0 victory in the third place of 2023 in Egypt, underlining his supremacy on the side of North Africa.

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Now, under the guidance of coach Aliyu Zubairu, Nigeria’s U20 squad enters the tournament with high confidence after a 2-1 victory that increases morality over Egypt’s hosts in a friendly earlier this week. “It was the result we needed to charge children mentally,” Zubairu said. “But the real job begins now, and we must take it a game at the same time.”

Nigeria’s campaign will not be a walk in the park. Group B presents the 1997 Morocco and Kenya champions, while in other places, the defending champions of Senegal and the four -time Ghana winners reinforce a fiercely competitive group C. Group A Egypt, newly victory against South Africa, will also be a formidable force, especially given the historical struggles of Nigeria in the finals organized by the rivals.

Among Nigeria’s arsenal are the main talents such as Kparobo Arierhi, who opened scores against Egypt, next to him, Benjamin, based in Germany, and the local stars Clinton Jephta and Divine Oliseh. With the attacking style and defensive sand, the team aims to repeat its 2015 success, when they beat Host Senegal in the final.

Interestingly, the presence of Tunisia in the final is more a turn of fate. Originally by disputes, they were introduced after Ivory Costa withdrew from organization tasks at the last moment, creating a second opportunity that North Africa are eager to take advantage.

The bets are high: the four best teams of this tournament will be classified for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile. With the story of his side and talent in their ranks, the Flying Eagles begin another trip to glory, a game, a moment at the same time.

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