- Nigeria has been drawn into a tough Group B at the 2025 U20 AFCON alongside Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa
- The Flying Eagles, the most successful team in U20 AFCON history, have not won the competition since 2015 and aim to reclaim their dominance
- The top four teams in the competition will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile
Record champions Nigeria have been handed a daunting challenge at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after being placed in Group B alongside Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco.
The draw, held on Thursday, February 13, has placed the Flying Eagles in what many refer to as the tournament’s “Group of Death.”
Nigeria, the most successful team in U20 AFCON history with seven titles, will face three strong opponents, all of whom boast impressive records in the competition.
Morocco, winners in 1997, and Egypt, a three-time champion (1991, 2003, 2013), bring plenty of pedigree to the group. South Africa, while yet to lift the trophy, finished as runners-up in 1997 and remains a formidable force at this level.
Despite the difficult draw, Nigeria will be confident in their ability to progress. However, they have not won the competition since 2015, and the pressure is on to reclaim continental dominance.
Nigeria’s road to AFCON 2025
The Flying Eagles have been in strong form leading up to the tournament. They recently claimed the WAFU B regional title in dominant fashion, defeating fierce rivals Ghana 3-1 in the final. That victory has provided the squad with a major confidence boost ahead of their AFCON campaign.
Notably, Nigeria will get an early opportunity to assess one of their biggest challengers, as they are set to play two friendly matches against Egypt later this month.
These games will serve as a key part of their preparations, giving head coach Ladan Bosso a chance to fine-tune his squad before the competition kicks off.
Other groups and tournament format
Elsewhere in the draw, Group A features hosts Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Tanzania, Ghana, and a yet-to-be-identified team from the UNIFAC region. Meanwhile, defending champions Senegal have been placed in Group C, where they will face 2017 winners Zambia, along with debutants Sierra Leone and Kenya.
The 2025 U20 AFCON will take place from April 26 to May 18, with the top four teams earning qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
With a tough path ahead, Nigeria must be at their very best to navigate the group stage and push for a long-awaited eighth U20 AFCON title.
Onigbinde urges Super Eagles coach Chelle to harness Nigeria’s talent for World Cup success
Previously, TheRadar reported that former national team coach Chief Adeboye Onigbinde has urged newly appointed Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle to effectively manage the country's vast talent pool as he takes on the challenge of leading the Super Eagles.
Despite this abundance of quality, Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign has been disappointing.
