The NFF has confirmed that the Flying Eagles will return to Abuja next week to complete their preparations for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations after an extended training camp in Katsina.
Aliyu Zubairu’s side has been camping in Katsina since March, fine-tuning tactics and evaluating players ahead of the continental showdown.
NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau disclosed the team’s relocation plans during his recent visit to the Flying Eagles’ camp in Katsina, where he assessed the squad’s readiness for the tournament.
Following Cote d’Ivoire’s withdrawal as hosts, Egypt will bail out CAF and the competition is scheduled to run from April 30 to May 19.
Drawn in a tough Group B, Nigeria will face the host nation as well as Morocco, and South Africa in what promises to be a fiercely competitive group.
Only four semi finalists will secure qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, making the margin for error razor-thin.
Nigeria’s U-20 team will be aiming to better their performance from the last edition, where they claimed bronze.
A semi-final finish in Egypt will be enough to seal a return to the global stage, where the Flying Eagles reached the quarter-finals in the last FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Argentina in 2023.
The Flying Eagles will begin their campaign against the Young Pharaohs at the 20,000-capacity Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium on Wednesday, April 30, at 6 p.m. Nigeria time.
They’ll then face Morocco on Saturday, May 3 at 9 p.m., before wrapping up their group stage journey against South Africa’s Amajita on Tuesday, May 6 at 6 p.m.
With history, pedigree, and pride at stake, the Flying Eagles will be looking to hit peak form as they head into the final phase of their preparations in Abuja.
