Today marks the beginning of Nigeria’s quest for an unprecedented eighth Africa U20 title, as the Flying Eagles take on the Junior Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in the opening match of Group B at the 30 June Stadium.
Historically, the Flying Eagles have had the upper hand against their North African rivals. In a memorable clash 40 years ago, Nigeria secured their second African title by defeating Tunisia in a two-legged final. The Flying Eagles managed a 1-1 draw in Tunis, followed by a 2-1 victory at home in Surulere.
More recently, Nigeria triumphed over the Carthage Eagles in the third-place match of the 2021 U20 AFCON, also held in Egypt, finishing with a resounding 4-0 win.
Head coach Aliyu Zubairu remains focused as his team aims for glory amid tough competition from other football powerhouses. Group rivals include current champions Senegal, tournament hosts Egypt, and former winners Ghana, all vying for top honours.
Egypt, four-time champions of the tournament, already secured three points in their opening match against South Africa, while Zambia and Sierra Leone battled to a goalless draw.
In Group C, Ghana faces a challenging path as they navigate the tournament with title-holders Senegal and a competitive Central African Republic team that eliminated Cameroon.
Despite past successes against Egypt, Nigeria must remain vigilant. The Flying Eagles narrowly defeated the hosts 1-0 in the group stage two years ago. Historically, Nigeria has lost finals only against host nations in the tournament’s knockout format — to Ghana in 1999 and to Congo in 2007, although they did beat Senegal in the final match in 2015.
Following their encounter with Tunisia, Nigeria will face Morocco, the original 1997 hosts and also winners, in their next match at the same venue.
Zubairu expressed optimism after the team’s recent friendly victory over Egypt, where they won 2-1 at the Cairo International Stadium just days prior to the tournament kick-off. “That result has provided a good impetus for us as we prepare to face the Tunisians — another North African opposition. You need a result like that when preparing for a competition of this calibre. It gives us the confidence needed to tackle our challenges head-on.”
Key players for the Flying Eagles include forward Kparobo Arierhi, who shone at the WAFU B U20 Championship and netted the first goal against Egypt, as well as Germany-based Precious Benjamin and local talents Clinton Jephta and Divine Oliseh.
Originally, Tunisia did not qualify for the finals, but gained entry following the last-minute withdrawal of Cote d’Ivoire as hosts.
The tournament’s semi-finalists will secure spots at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, scheduled for 27 September to 19 October. The Flying Eagles will be aiming not just for victory against Tunisia, but to take each match as it comes as they strive for another championship title.
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