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.

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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.

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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.

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The game carries huge stakes for both teams. Nigeria must win to secure a top-two finish and automatic passage to the Round of 16. A draw or defeat would confine them to third place, leaving qualification dependent on results from other groups.

Colombia, on the other hand, need only a draw to confirm their place in the knockout stage after a steady start to their campaign.

The South Americans are expected to approach the match with caution, aware that avoiding defeat will be enough to advance.

Nigeria’s coach Aliyu Zubairu is expected to rally his players for one final push, knowing that victory is the only guarantee for survival in the competition. Fans back home will be watching closely in the early hours of Monday, hoping the Flying Eagles can rise to the occasion and keep their World Cup hopes alive.

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In two group matches the 19-year-old has provided the decisive moments that have taken the Atlas Cubs from dark horses to group winners, first shredding Spain down the right and then stunning Brazil with a scissor-kick of rare audacity. If this is a tournament that forges futures, Maamma looks forged already.

The Watford forward (signed from Montpellier in July) has been Morocco’s spearhead and safety valve in Chile: a direct runner on the shoulder, happy to carry 30 metres in transition, and ruthless when the window opens.

 Against Spain he turned defence into incision, burning his full-back to square for Gessime Yassine’s clincher in a 2-0 win.

Four days later, with Brazil squeezing, he improvised the goal of the night — opening his body to acrobatically volley in Gessime’s deep cross — and tilted a heavyweight contest Morocco’s way in a 2-1 victory that sealed qualification.

Maamma’s impact has been as much about tone as numbers. Morocco have been compact and pragmatic without the ball, then startlingly vertical when it’s won. That suits a winger who relishes space and duels.

“I like to sit on the shoulders of the defenders and exploit space. I like one-on-ones, when I can use my acceleration to gain that extra space,” he explained earlier in the week in an interview with FIFA.com.

It’s exactly what head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has asked for: narrow lines to deny passing lanes, then release the wide players quickly and with purpose.

Just as striking has been the teenager’s calm. “Football is football. It doesn’t matter where or who you’re up against,” Maamma said after the Spain game. “You just need to keep a cool head and your emotions in check.”

The message never changed ahead of Brazil either. “I speak of Brazil just as I spoke of Spain. It’s going to be another big game. We’ll do absolutely everything we can to win.” The delivery matched the rhetoric.

Technically, Maamma mixes old-school winger values with modern versatility. He can start wide right and drive outside to cross, drift infield to combine off the nine, or attack the back post from the far side — the movement that produced his bicycle-style strike against Brazil.

At 1.82m, he carries aerial threat and protects the ball better than many pure sprinters; his first touch is typically forward, his second decisive.

This tournament has also underlined how carefully Morocco have built a pathway. Maamma debuted for Montpellier in May 2024, collecting 14 Ligue 1 appearances (two goals, one assist) before Watford moved in the summer, seeing a profile to develop rather than a finished article.

In Chile he has been deployed with clarity. The system demands defensive shifts, then trusts him to decide the transition: carry or combine. His assist versus Spain and finish versus Brazil are two sides of the same coin.

Around him, a coherent team is growing. Yassir Zabiri has provided punch in the inside-left channel, Yassine’s volume of work has made others quicker, while the back line has absorbed pressure with mature discipline.

Ouahbi has tried to keep a lid on the mood — “We’re happy. But it’s only three points, we haven’t achieved anything yet… We want more. Confidence is growing, but we’re going to try to stay humble,” he said after beating Spain — yet even he will recognise how the right talent in the right structure can accelerate belief.

Where does this go next? In the short term, to a last-16 tie with a very different kind of pressure: expectation. Opponents will drop five yards deeper, full-backs will be less adventurous, and the space Maamma feasted on may shrink.

The next step in his tournament will be about variety — receiving to feet and combining in tighter corridors, drawing fouls, and making set plays count. Through two tests, he’s shown the decision-making to adapt.

In the longer view, it’s hard not to project forward. Morocco’s senior side has set a new standard for North African football in recent years; the conveyor belt below them is the point.

A winger who can both hurt elite opponents in transition and contribute in structured possession is a profile every national coach covets. On Chilean evidence, Maamma belongs in that conversation sooner rather than later.

For now, the brief remains simple: keep doing what’s working. Beat your man. Choose the moment. Trust the plan.

In a World Cup that often belongs to the cool-headed, Othmane Maamma has already shown he can decide games without hurry. Morocco have a star for this tournament — and, just maybe, a pillar for the next decade.

-CAFonline

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Othmane Maamma’s stunning scissor kick just after the hour set the Atlas Cubs on their way before Yassir Zabiri’s emphatic finish doubled the advantage. 

Brazil captain Iago Teodoro pulled one back deep into stoppage time from the penalty spot, but it was too little too late for Ramon Menezes’ side.

The Atlas Cubs, one of Africa’s four representatives, now sit top of Group C after following up their opening win over Spain with another inspired performance.

Brazil, meanwhile, were left stunned as they failed to win either of their first two group matches for the first time in the tournament’s history.

After a cagey first half in which Brazil saw a penalty overturned by VAR for simulation, Morocco seized control after the interval.

Maamma broke the deadlock on the hour mark with a spectacular scissor kick from Gessime Yassine’s teasing cross. 

Sixteen minutes later, Morocco doubled their lead when Zabiri latched onto Yassine’s clever through ball and rifled home with the outside of his boot.

Brazil pulled one back deep into stoppage time as captain Teodoro converted from the spot, but it proved little more than consolation. 

The final whistle sparked celebrations among the Moroccan players and their fans, with the result ensuring they march into the last 16 with a game to spare.

The result means Morocco sit top of Group C with six points after two matches, confirming their progress from a section that also includes Spain and Mexico.

For Brazil, it marks a rare stumble in youth football’s biggest competition, as they failed to win either of their opening two games for the first time in history.

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi praised his young side’s bravery and discipline. “This was not just a victory, it was a statement,” he said.

“We showed that Morocco can compete with the best. The boys played with courage, followed instructions, and fought for every ball. Beating Spain was special, but defeating Brazil gives us even more belief. We will stay humble, but we know we can go far.”

Brazil coach Menezes admitted his side were punished for lapses in concentration.

“This result hurts a lot. We had the chances to finish the match, but football lasts 90, 95, 100 minutes,” Menezes said.

“Games are decided in the details. We conceded the first goal, then the second with a mistake. But we still believe.”

The Atlas Cubs, back in the competition after a 20-year absence, have now defeated two global giants in successive matches, sparking excitement across Africa.

Morocco will face Mexico in their final group match with momentum and confidence on their side.

-CAFonline

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The seven-time African champions are eager to bounce back after a narrow defeat to Norway in their opening fixture on Monday — a game they largely dominated but failed to convert their numerous chances. Despite sustained pressure in the second half, Nigeria were twice denied penalty appeals that could have changed the outcome.

A win over Saudi Arabia would revive the team’s hopes of advancing to the Round of 16 and put them in a strong position ahead of their final group encounter against Colombia on Sunday.

Head Coach Aliyu Zubair expressed confidence that his players have put the disappointment of the Norway loss behind them and are fully focused on securing maximum points in their next outing.
“We have moved on from the first game. The boys know what is at stake and are determined to get the job done against Saudi Arabia,” Zubair said.

With all key players available for selection, the coach is expected to retain his preferred 4-3-3 formation, placing greater emphasis on attack and ball possession.

Meanwhile, Israel Ayuma, Daniel Daga, and Charles Agada — all of whom received yellow cards in the opening match — will need to tread carefully to avoid suspension ahead of the crucial clash with Colombia.

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The tightly contested encounter saw both sides create chances, but it was the Europeans who made theirs count midway through a nine-minute penalty kick converted by Rasmus Holten. In what could have been a night of penalty kicks, Nigeria’s two appeal for penalty in the second half were overruled after VAR review.

Nigeria, two-time runners-up at the tournament, pushed hard for an equaliser but were let down by poor finishing and a resolute Norwegian defence.

Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s  team started brightly but gradually lost control in midfield as Norway’s technical play and physical presence took effect. The result leaves Nigeria needing a positive outcome in their next group game to revive qualification hopes.

Norway, making their return to the U-20 World Cup after several years, now top the group temporarily with three points, while Nigeria will aim to bounce back in their next outing.

Both teams will return to action later this week as group-stage battles intensify in the chase for a place in the Round of 16.

Nigeria will take on Saudi Arabia while Norway will play against Colombia on Thursday.

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Led by coach Aliyu Zubairu, the seven-time African champions head into the global showpiece with renewed optimism after finishing third at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt — a campaign that also sealed their qualification for the tournament.

The Flying Eagles punched their World Cup ticket by edging defending champions Senegal in a dramatic quarter-final penalty shootout before losing narrowly to eventual winners South Africa in the semi-finals. They wrapped up their campaign with a 4–1 shootout victory over hosts Egypt to claim bronze.

Nigeria, making their 14th appearance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, are still chasing their first crown after falling at the final hurdle in 1989and 2005. At the last edition in Argentina 2023, the team reached the quarter-finals before bowing out to Korea Republic.

The Flying Eagles will play all their group games in Chile’s southern city of Talca. After Monday’s curtain-raiser against Norway, they face Saudi Arabia on October 2 and Colombiaon October 5.

Head coach Zubairu, who took charge in September 2024, has blended experience with emerging talent.

The former El-Kanemi Warriors boss guided the Maiduguri side to Federation Cup glory before accepting the national team job. His tactical discipline and calm leadership have earned him respect across the domestic scene, following earlier stints with Wikki Tourist and Gombe United.

Captain Daniel Bameyi, the team’s inspirational leader, is among the players expected to shine. The 19-year-old defender, already capped three times by the Super Eagles, was named in the Best XI at the U-20 AFCON and is making his second appearance at this level.

Another name drawing attention is Kparobo Arierhi, the teenage striker who recently joined Norwegian top-flight side Lillestrom after a prolific spell at Beyond Limits Academy.

Arierhi’s eye for goal — 22 strikes in 15 games at the NNL level — makes him one of the team’s brightest prospects.

As Zubairu’s young side prepares for Monday’s opener, expectations are high that Nigeria’s “Class of 2025” can finally deliver the elusive U-20 world crown — and rekindle memories of past Flying Eagles teams that came close to global glory.

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 The tightly contested encounter ended goalless after 90 minutes, with the Flying Eagles prevailing 4-3 in the ensuing penalty shootout.

In a match dominated by Nigeria in terms of possession and attacking intent, the defending champions found it difficult to break down a resolute Nigerien defence.

The Flying Eagles created several scoring opportunities, registering three shots off target in the first half, while the opposition failed to threaten Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.

The second half saw a more aggressive approach from the Nigerian side, who ramped up their offensive pressure.

However, Niger Republic maintained a compact defensive formation, deploying as many as seven players behind the ball to stifle Nigeria’s attacking efforts.

With neither side able to find the back of the net in regulation time, the tie was settled via penalty kicks.

 Harcourt provided the early advantage for Nigeria by saving Niger’s first attempt, though Nigerian defender Tahir Maigana also missed his spot-kick.

Ultimately, the Flying Eagles held their nerve better, converting four of their five kicks while Niger Republic managed only three.

 The result ensured Nigeria’s progression to the final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final clash between hosts Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

The victory also keeps Nigeria on track to defend the WAFU B U20 title and potentially secure qualification for the next Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

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