U-20 FOOTBALL
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles set to begin 8th African title chase
Nigeria will on Thursday launch their campaign for an eighth Africa U20 title when the Flying Eagles file out against the Junior Carthage Eagles of Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, in the opening match of Group B.
Forty years ago, the boys from Carthage were the victims as the Flying Eagles won the second of their seven African titles, in the era when the winner was decided over two legs. With both teams already qualified for the FIFA World Youth Championship (now FIFA U20 World Cup) finals in then USSR, Nigeria forced a 1-1 draw with their hosts in Tunis, and then won a close-fought return leg 2-1 at the National Stadium, Surulere.
Two years ago, the Carthage Eagles again bowed to the Eagles from West Africa in the third-place match of the U20 AFCON, also hosted by Egypt. It ended 4-0 against the North Africans.
Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu and his charges understand that they must take it one match at a time as they aspire for glory, with Cup holders Senegal (who head Group C), hosts Egypt (who head Group A) and four-time winners Ghana (in Group C) also in the hunt for honours.
Four-time champions Egypt (winners in 1981, 1991, 2003 and 2013) already pocketed three points from their opening match against South Africa on Sunday, while Zambia and Sierra Leone fought themselves to a scoreless draw.
Ghana have their work cut out in Group C, where they must negotiate survival with title-holders Senegal, a Central African Republic side that eliminated Cameroon, and the nifty Democratic Republic of Congo.
Nigeria must beware of the host nation, even though the Flying Eagles pipped the Egyptians 1-0 in a group phase match in Cairo two years ago. The only Final matches Nigeria have lost since the competition transformed from home-and-away format to a tournament were against host nations – against Ghana in Accra in 1999 and against Congo in Brazzaville eight years later. On the reverse, Nigeria defeated hosts Senegal in the Final in 2015.
Ghana were champions in 1993, 1999 (as hosts), 2009 (when they won in Rwanda) and 2021. Cameroon, who are not in Egypt, won their only title when Nigeria hosted the competition in 1995.
After Thursday’s shootout with the Junior Carthage Eagles, the seven-time champions will be up against 1997 hosts and winners Morocco, also at the 30 June Stadium.
Zubairu is excited that his boys are riding on immense psychological wavelengths after a 2-1 defeat of host nation Egypt in a friendly match at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday – barely 48 hours after the delegation landed in Cairo.
“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 you’re preparing for a competition like this. It does not mean that we will rest on our oars; it only serves to give us much-needed confidence and ginger us to face our challenges better.
“We will go for the maximum points against the Tunisians and then take it one step at a time as we forge ahead.”
Kparobo Arierhi, who scored three goals at the WAFU B U20 Championship and netted the first goal against Egypt on Tuesday, Germany-based Precious Benjamin and home-boys Clinton Jephta and Divine Oliseh are the key foremen that Zubairu will be hoping to deliver against each and every opposition.
Tunisia did not originally qualify for these finals, but sneaked through after original hosts Cote d’Ivoire pulled the rug on the Confederation of African Football with only weeks to the opening match.
All four semi-finalists at the tournament will qualify to fly Africa’s flag at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, 27th September – 19th October.
24 FLYING EAGLES AT EGYPT 2025:
Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC); Soliu Ajia Yakub (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia)
Defenders: Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Emmanuel Chukwu (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Chigozie Michael Ihejiofor (Katsina United)
Midfielders: Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Uljanik Pula, Croatia); Israel Isaac Ayuma (NK Istra, Croatia); Simon Cletus (Mavlon FC); Sulaiman Alabi Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors); Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United); Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists)
Forwards: Precious Benjamin (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Ezekiel Anthony Kpangu (Inspire FC); Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy); Clinton Jephta (Enyimba FC); Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire FC); Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC); Theophilus Mendos Rickson (Niger Tornadoes); Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway); Matthew Kingsley (Kings FC); Yushau Armiyau (Katsina United)
GROUP A: Egypt, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Tanzania
GROUP B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya
GROUP C: Senegal, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ghana
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
U-20 FOOTBALL
Football Meets History as Ghana Set To Celebrate 70 Years of Independence with U-20 Afcon Hosting
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded Ghana the hosting rights for the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, aligning the tournament with a landmark moment in the country’s history—its 70th independence anniversary.
The decision positions the youth championship as a centrepiece of Ghana’s national celebrations, offering a platform to showcase not only its enduring football pedigree but also its historical journey since gaining independence in 1957.
CAF noted that the timing underscores Ghana’s long-standing influence on African football and its commitment to nurturing young talent across generations.
This will be the second time Ghana hosts the competition, having staged and won the 1999 edition in front of passionate home supporters. Nearly three decades later, the country will once again welcome the continent’s brightest young players in a tournament that has consistently served as a springboard to global football.
The 12-team competition carries added significance, with the top four sides qualifying to represent Africa at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. For Ghana, the event also revives memories of its historic triumph on the world stage in 2009, when it became the first African nation to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Ghana’s rich youth development tradition has produced some of Africa’s most celebrated footballers, including Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Samuel Osei Kuffour, Derek Boateng, André Ayew and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.
Their emergence from the U-20 system reflects the tournament’s importance in shaping elite careers and reinforcing Ghana’s status as a powerhouse in youth football.
The most recent edition of the competition was hosted by Egypt, with South Africa lifting the title, highlighting the growing depth and competitiveness of the continental game.
CAF is expected to announce the match schedule, host cities and venues for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2027 in due course, as preparations gather pace for a tournament that will blend football excellence with a historic national celebration.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The Kingdom of Morocco is set to celebrate its latest football triumph as His Majesty King Mohammed VI, will this Wednesday host the national under-20 football team for a royal reception in honor of their historic FIFA U-20 World Cup victory in Chile.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI
According to a statement from the Ministry of the Royal Household, Protocol, and Chancellery, the King has instructed that the young Atlas Lions, who made history by becoming world champions, be accorded a hero’s welcome on Wednesday, October 22.
The statement confirmed that the royal audience will take place at the Royal Palace in Rabat, where His Majesty will personally receive the players, coaches, and officials of the victorious team in recognition of their exceptional performance and for bringing pride to the nation.
Following the royal reception, a grand popular celebration is scheduled to take place in the capital. The team will depart from the Royal Palace around 6:30 p.m., passing through Bab Essoufara and then along Avenue Mohammed V, where thousands of Moroccans are expected to line the streets to cheer the world champions.
This marks an unprecedented milestone in Moroccan football history, as the U-20 side’s global triumph has sparked nationwide jubilation and renewed optimism for the country’s growing football legacy under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, whose sustained investment in youth and sports development has been widely praised.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
It is a transcontinental rivalry that is fast spreading across all competitions. From the FIFA World Cup to the football tournament of the Olympics, the King Fahd Intercontinental Cup later redesignated as Confederation Cup, the U-17 World Cup, the U-20 World Cup and friendly matches – Argentina and Nigeria are fast becoming fierce rivals.
And so, for the third time in history, Nigeria and Argentina will go head-to-head at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, as they clash in a highly anticipated Round of 16 encounter at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile, on Wednesday. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. Nigerian time.
The Flying Eagles delegation arrive in Santiago
The fixture rekindles one of youth football’s most captivating rivalries, with both nations boasting rich histories at the global stage.
Their most recent meeting came two years ago when Nigeria stunned hosts Argentina 2-0 in the Round of 16 — a result that sent shockwaves across the tournament. Goals from Ibrahim Muhammad and Haliru Sarki sealed that famous win, propelling the Flying Eagles into the quarter-finals before they bowed out to the Republic of Korea after extra time.
The rivalry dates back decades. In the 2005 final in the Netherlands, Argentina triumphed 2-1 over Nigeria thanks to two penalty goals from Lionel Messi, while Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi struck a memorable goal for the Flying Eagles.
Argentina remain the most successful nation in the tournament’s history with six titles, while Nigeria have reached the final twice (1989 and 2005) and claimed bronze in 1985.
Despite the Albiceleste’s pedigree, the Flying Eagles — seven-time African champions — will take to the pitch in Santiago with belief and determination, buoyed by a strong group-stage showing. Coach Aliyu Zubair’s men collected four points from their three matches, including a spirited 1-1 draw with Colombia, in which Nigeria struck the crossbar three times before captain Daniel Bameyi coolly converted a late penalty.
That performance, built on resilience and attacking flair, has strengthened confidence within the Nigerian camp. However, Zubair will have to make at least one change in attack as Suleman Sani is suspended after receiving two yellow cards in the group stage.
The Flying Eagles arrived in Santiago from Talca on Monday evening and will hold a final training session on Tuesday ahead of their showdown with the South American giants.
With history, pride, and a place in the quarter-finals at stake, Wednesday’s clash promises another thrilling chapter in the long-running Nigeria–Argentina football rivalry.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
FIFA Moves To Calm Iran’s World Cup Fears Ahead of Crucial Istanbul Meeting
Haiti name World Cup squad for first appearance since 1974
Morocco’s New Football Magnetism: How Ayyoub Bouaddi’s Switch Reflects a Growing Global Power
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
NIGERIAN FOOTBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SANUSI CHARGES NIGERIAN COACHES TO BE UPRIGHT, DILIGENT
- World Cup1 week ago
FIFA Plans Three Opening Ceremonies in All Host Nations for 2026 World Cup
- World Cup7 days ago
United States Unveils Hollywood-Style FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony
- World Cup1 week ago
Mexico president wavers on plan to cut school year by 40 days for the World Cup
- World Cup3 days ago
US drops bond requirement for World Cup ticket holders
- World Cup1 week ago
Burna Boy Joins Shakira for Official 2026 World Cup Song ‘Dai Dai’
- Nigerian Football4 days ago
NPFL at 36: From Long Debate to Nigeria’s Football Showpiece
- Nigerian Football4 days ago
NPFL at 36: Why Nigeria’s League Top Scorers Rarely Become Super Eagles Legends
- World Cup3 days ago
Magic Johnson Leads Campaign to Showcase Los Angeles Ahead of World Cup