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CAF
20-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Zubairu proud of Nigeria's bronze as Egypt boss Nabih eyes World Cup rebuild
Published: Tuesday, 20 May 2025 Nigeria's head coach Aliyu Zubairu expressed his pride in his team after they secured third place for a record-extending fifth time in the history of the TotalEnergies U20 Africa Cup of Nations. This comes after the Flying Eagles' 4-1 penalty shootout win over hosts Egypt in the third-place play-off at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. 'The match was tight. It came down to nerve and execution,' Zubairu told reporters. 'We knew Egypt would be strong at home, but my boys stayed calm. We showed maturity in the shootout.' Nigeria's run to the semi-finals had included a penalty shootout win over holders Senegal in the quarters, but their hopes of a ninth final were dashed by South Africa in the semi-final. 'We felt we were the better team in the semi-final, so this bronze means a lot. It's a statement of our consistency and potential heading into the World Cup,' Zubairu said. Both Egypt and Nigeria now turn their attention to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year, where they will represent Africa alongside Morocco and South Africa. Meanwhile, Egypt U-20 head coach Osama Nabih has issued a public apology to fans following his side's 4-1 penalty shootout loss to Nigeria in the third-place play-off at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025. The hosts were left heartbroken at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo after a 1-1 draw in regulation time ended in disappointment from the spot, denying the Pharaohs a place on the podium. 'We reached one of our key objectives by qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile,' Nabih said in the post-match press conference. 'But I must apologise to the Egyptian fans for not securing a medal in front of our home crowd.' Egypt had taken the lead early through Osama Omar but were pegged back in the second half by Nigeria's Bidemi Amole. The match went to penalties, where the Pharaohs missed three of their four attempts, sealing their fate. Nabih highlighted the challenges his team faced, including key absentees. 'We were without nine influential players due to injury and fatigue. These boys gave everything, and I thank them for their courage in very difficult conditions,' he added. The 48-year-old coach, who took over the side just weeks before the tournament, praised the backing from the Egyptian Football Association and national team coach Hossam Hassan, calling their support 'instrumental to our progress.' Egypt's campaign saw them reach the semi-finals with a dramatic penalty shootout win over Ghana, before a narrow 1-0 defeat to Morocco ended their title dreams. It was their first appearance in the last four since 2011. Despite the bronze medal setback, Nabih insisted preparations for the U-20 World Cup must begin immediately. 'We have just three months before Chile. This experience will harden us. We must focus and regroup,' he said.
CAF
10-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Heavyweights collide as U20 AFCON quarter-final line-up takes shape
Published: Saturday, 10 May 2025 The quarter-finals of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations promise a series of mouthwatering clashes as Africa's most promising young talents square off in four high-stakes encounters on Monday, 12 May. The standout tie sees seven-time champions Nigeria face reigning title holders Senegal in Ismailia in a battle that could decide this year's favourite. Nigeria topped Group B unbeaten but failed to convince in draws against Morocco and already-eliminated Kenya. The Flying Eagles' campaign started brightly with a 1-0 win over Tunisia, but recent results have raised concerns over their cutting edge. Senegal, meanwhile, needed a final-day 2-0 victory over DR Congo to seal qualification as Group C runners-up. After a shaky start—drawing with Central African Republic and falling 1-0 to Ghana—Serigne Saliou Dia's side rediscovered their form just in time. They will now look to draw on the experience of 2023's title-winning run to overcome Nigeria's pedigree. Elsewhere, Ghana, one of the tournament's most consistent sides so far, will face hosts Egypt in Suez. The Black Satellites are the only team to have won all three of their group matches without conceding a goal, including a statement 1-0 victory over Senegal. Their opponents Egypt, however, have had a rocky road to the quarter-finals. The U20 Pharaohs opened with a win against South Africa but were stunned 4-1 by debutants Sierra Leone. Despite a goalless draw with Zambia and a narrow 1-0 win over Tanzania, they squeezed through as one of the best third-placed teams. Coach Mahmoud Gaber will hope the home advantage helps steady his inconsistent side. Morocco remain one of the favourites for the title, having topped Group B unbeaten despite injuries to key players. After edging Kenya 3-2 and drawing 0-0 with Nigeria, the Atlas Cubs sealed top spot with a commanding 3-1 win over Tunisia. They now face tournament surprise Sierra Leone, whose fairytale run has seen them defeat hosts Egypt 4-1 before narrowly advancing from a tough Group A. Completing the quarter-final line-up is South Africa against DR Congo, a tie between two sides that impressed in flashes but struggled with consistency. Amajita finished top of Group A despite drawing with Egypt and Zambia and suffering a 1-0 loss to the hosts. DR Congo's 3-1 win over CAR and opening draw with Ghana showed promise, but a 2-0 loss to Senegal exposed defensive vulnerabilities. With the group stage complete and just eight teams remaining, the U20 AFCON enters its decisive phase. Will the favourites hold their nerve, or could a dark horse emerge to challenge for continental glory?
CAF
23-04-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Nigeria U20 Profile: Flying Eagles take aim at eighth U-20 AFCON crown in Egypt
Nigeria's Flying Eagles land in Egypt as the most successful side in TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations history. With seven titles and a reputation built on dominance and talent development, the West African giants are once again favourites to challenge for continental glory and earn a place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Their recent triumph at the WAFU Zone B Championship, including a hard-fought win over rivals Ghana in the final, highlighted their resilience and attacking firepower. Below is the full profile of Nigeria NIGERIA Nigeria arrive in Egypt as the most successful side in the tournament's history. With a decorated legacy that spans decades, the Flying Eagles are once again among the favourites to contend for continental glory and secure qualification to the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Their journey to Egypt was marked by a thrilling triumph in the WAFU Zone B Championship, where they overcame an early setback to defeat fierce rivals Ghana in the final. The resilience and character they showed en route to the title underscored their potential to shine again on the big stage. HOW THEY QUALIFIED Nigeria earned their place at the TotalEnergies U-20 AFCON by winning the WAFU Zone B Championship. Despite suffering a defeat in their opening match of the competition, they bounced back with impressive wins over Côte d'Ivoire and Niger to reach the final. In the final, they edged Ghana in a tense contest to lift the regional crown. The Flying Eagles' resilience, sharp attacking play and strong squad depth proved decisive as they claimed another WAFU B title. HISTORY IN THE TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFCON Nigeria are the tournament's most successful nation, with seven titles to their name (1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2011 and 2015). They have also finished as runners-up twice, underlining their consistency and dominance at this level. This will be Nigeria's 14th appearance at the U-20 AFCON. Over the years, the Flying Eagles have been a launch pad for many top Super Eagles stars including John Obi Mikel, Joseph Yobo, Julius Aghahowa, Victor Obinna, and Taye Taiwo. KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH Kparobo Arierhi – A prolific forward who contributed directly to two goals in the WAFU final. He was also the top scorer in the TCC League with 22 goals in 15 matches, showcasing his lethal touch in front of goal. Daniel Bameyi – The captain and defensive stalwart. Bameyi has already represented Nigeria at senior and U-23 level, bringing leadership, experience and solid defensive organisation to the backline. Nathaniel Nwosu – Standing at 6.2 ft, the agile goalkeeper is known for his sharp reflexes and composure. Nwosu has become a reliable figure between the sticks for Nigeria at youth level. COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH Head coach Aliyu Zubairu favours an attacking brand of football, operating in a flexible 4-3-3 system. His sides press high up the pitch, dominate possession, and play with freedom in the final third. Zubairu emphasises quick transitions and creativity in the middle of the park, making the Flying Eagles a fluid and exciting team to watch. TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS Nigeria have been drawn in a tough Group B that includes former champions Morocco, Kenya and Tunisia, setting the stage for a challenging group phase. Their immediate goal will be to reach the semi-finals, which would secure qualification to the FIFA U-20 World Cup, while the ultimate target remains a record-extending eighth U-20 AFCON title. With a history of success and a talented squad ready to make their mark, Nigeria will aim to add another chapter to their storied legacy in Egypt.
