Nigeria will have to navigate a more challenging path at the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after the Confederation of African Football, CAF confirmed Egypt as the new host nation.
Originally set to take place in Côte d’Ivoire, the tournament was relocated after the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) withdrew due to unforeseen circumstances.
The competition will begin on April 27, with the final scheduled for May 18.
In preparation, the Flying Eagles are currently in a training camp in Katsina, where they continue their buildup.
Egypt, who had initially lost its bid to stage the event, now steps in to organize the prestigious youth competition.
CAF has reassured teams that the tournament will proceed as planned, with the opening match taking place in Cairo on April 27.
Nigeria has been drawn into Group B, where they will battle Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa for a place in the knockout rounds.
The top two teams from each group will qualify automatically, alongside the two best third-placed teams.
And the four semi-finalists will secure their spots at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Côte d’Ivoire’s withdrawal also affects Group A, which originally had five teams.
With no replacement for the Ivorians, Ghana, Tanzania, the Central African Republic, and DR Congo will now fight for just two qualification spots.
For the Flying Eagles, the change in location makes their task even more difficult.
Egypt will now enjoy home support, while Nigeria’s originally scheduled matches against Egypt on April 30, Morocco on May 3, and South Africa on May 6 may require rescheduling and new venues.
With tougher opposition and unfamiliar conditions, Nigeria must be at their best to secure a place in Chile.
