Nigeria have been drawn in Group B alongside Tunisia, Kenya, and Morocco for the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), conducted a fresh draw for the tournament on Sunday in Cairo, Egypt, following Cote d’Ivoire’s withdrawal as hosts.
Egypt stepped in as replacement hosts, prompting a reshuffling of the groups.
Nigeria was originally grouped with Egypt and South Africa. However, the revised draw now places them in a new-look Group B, alongside three tricky North and East African opponents.
The Flying Eagles are Africa’s most successful U-20 side, having won the tournament a record seven times. Their last triumph came in 2015, and they’ll be hoping to end that 10-year wait with a dominant showing in Egypt.
Meanwhile, the new Group A is led by the hosts Egypt and features Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Tanzania.
Group C is headlined by reigning champions Senegal, who are joined by Ghana, DR Congo, and the Central African Republic.
All four semi-finalists from the tournament will automatically qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which is set to take place in Chile from September 27 to October 19.
Aliyu Zubairu’s Flying Eagles recently returned to Abuja after a three-week training camp in Katsina.
The team is expected to travel to Egypt later this week for an eight-day final phase of preparations ahead of the tournament kickoff.
Nigeria will begin their campaign on Sunday, April 28, against Tunisia in their opening Group B match.
The competition itself will commence a day earlier, on Saturday, April 27, with the curtain-raiser between Egypt and South Africa.
Group A: Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania
Group B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Morocco
Group C: Senegal, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ghana
