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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.
CAF
28-01-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Ex-Nigeria captain Yobo confident in Super Eagles' title prospects after draw
Nigeria's legendary captain, Joseph Yobo, has expressed confidence in the Super Eagles' chances of clinching a fourth TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title at the 2025 tournament, following the official draw held on Monday in Rabat, Morocco. The Super Eagles were drawn into Group C alongside 2004 champions Tunisia, East African duo Uganda and Tanzania—co-hosts of the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF AFCON. Reflecting on the group and Nigeria's historical pedigree, Yobo, a key figure in Nigeria's last AFCON triumph in 2013, was optimistic about the team's prospects. 'We have a good young crop and a new generation of players that have been together for a long time, so I don't think that understanding is a problem for them,' Yobo said. 'Looking at the group, it's never going to be easy for us, but knowing the Super Eagles, coming out of the group is never a problem.' Nigeria heads into the tournament with a storied AFCON history, boasting 16 medals from 20 appearances, including three titles (1980, 1994, and 2013), five runner-up finishes, and eight bronze medals. The team narrowly missed adding a fourth star in 2023, falling 2-1 to Côte d'Ivoire in the final. Yobo, who was also one of the assistants during Monday's draw, emphasized that the team's focus should not just be on progressing through the group stage but on securing the ultimate prize. 'I hope that we start very well and we can take that momentum to the final. We are building on our last performance at AFCON 2023, and it's about time we get our hands on the trophy again. I think we have the players and a wonderful new coach to do that.' Tunisia, the most decorated opponent in Group C after Nigeria, will pose a significant challenge. The North Africans famously knocked out the Super Eagles in the 2021 Round of 16 and boast one AFCON title from their 21 appearances. Uganda, making their eighth appearance, and Tanzania, featuring for only the fourth time, will aim to upset the odds. Yobo, however, remained confident, highlighting Nigeria's depth and the recent improvements under their new coach. 'We do have a very good team, the players are improving. It's all about carrying that energy from the group stages and keeping the momentum,' he noted. AFCON 2025, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, promises thrilling encounters with 24 nations vying for glory in Morocco.
