AFCON U-20 Shock Draw: Nigeria Lands In ‘Group Of Death,’ But Coach Remains Unshaken

AFCON U-20 Shock Draw: Nigeria Lands In ‘Group Of Death,’ But Coach Remains Unshaken

Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, remains confident about his team’s prospects despite being drawn into a tough group at the 2025 Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will face North African giants Morocco and Egypt, along with South Africa, in what has been labeled the ‘Group of Death.’ However, Zubairu sees the challenge as an opportunity rather than a setback.……READ MORE

“It’s a great draw. If we aspire to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, we must embrace every challenge. Facing Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa at this stage is a blessing in disguise,” Zubairu stated.

The tournament is set to take place from April 26 to May 18, providing Nigeria’s young squad with a crucial test of their skills and preparation.

Zubairu dismissed concerns about the group’s difficulty, emphasizing that African football has become highly competitive.

“We should stop calling it a ‘Group of Death.’ There are no easy teams in African football anymore. Proper preparation is the key to success, as even lesser-known teams can surprise if they are well-prepared,” he added.

To ensure the team is in top form, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has set up a training camp with a 30-man squad. Additionally, the Flying Eagles will play two friendly matches against Egypt’s Under-20 team in Cairo on February 25 and 27. These games will provide Zubairu with valuable insights into his team’s strengths and areas for improvement.

With rigorous preparations in place, the Flying Eagles aim to make a strong impression at the tournament and push for World Cup qualification.