U20 FOOTBALL
You aren’t seen nothing yet, Flying Eagles coach Bosso boasts
Nigeria have qualified for the round of 16 at the U20 FIFA World Cup in Argentina, after edging out Italy 2-0 in Mendoza, their second successive victory in Group D.
Salim Fago and Jude Sunday scored the goals for the Flying Eagles to soar them into the last 16 with a match to spare in the group. But even with a brilliant victory, head coach Ladan Bosso still wants more from the team, with their eyes pegged on getting to the final.
“For now, we are still a work in progress. We are still in the tournament and we can never be satisfied yet until we play the final,” the tactician said after his team’s victory over Italy.
This was their second win in the group, having started off with a 2-1 victory over The Dominican Republic on Match Day One.
He was delighted with the performance of his side in earning the victory.
“You have seen it, it’s a good thing that we have orientated our boys on how to get the Italians, and we stuck to our tactics. After the first half, we tried to reinforce the team so that if we could not score, we shouldn’t be able to concede, and eventually, it went well for us,” the tactician noted.
His sentiments are shared by midfielder Victor Eletu, who played a starring role in the victory.
“I am very happy with how the team played because we showed great character. I know we can go far in this competition because we have a very good team. We played as a team and that’s why we could beat a strong opponent like Italy,” Eletu, who plays his club football in Italy with AC Milan said.
Nigeria will next face off with Brazil in a blockbuster tie, with the winner of the duel set to finish top of the group and seeded better for the round of 16. Coach Bosso says however, he will rotate his squad to give those who haven’t played a chance to prove themselves.
“We will play a normal game with Brazil. I think they are beatable,” said the tactician.
In the game against Italy, both sides had close scoring chances in the opening half, but it was not until the second 45 that the goals came through. Fago broke the deadlock with a beautiful diving header on the hour mark from a cross on the right.
In the fourth minute of added time, Sunday made it 2-0 when he ran onto a lobbed ball, chested it to move away from his marker before shooting low past the keeper.
Meanwhile in the other match involving an African team at the World Cup, Senegal picked their first point after a 1-1 draw with Israel. Pape Demba Diop drew Senegal level in the 80th minute, after Babacar N’Diaye had scored in his own net in the 58th minute.
The African champions who started their campaign with a slim 1-0 defeat at the hands of Japan will now face off with Group leaders Colombia in a must win duel to keep their last 16 hopes alive.
U20 FOOTBALL
Flying Eagles U20 Afcon opponents, Morocco’s Les Lionceaux de l’Atlas, land in Cairo this Thursday
The second opponent of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles in Group B of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Egypt, Morocco’s Les Lionceaux de l’Atlas are expected to land in Cairo this Thursday.
Both Nigeria and Morocco will meet on May 4 after Nigeria has played against Tunisia on May 1 and Morocco plays Kenya on the same day.
Les Lionceaux de l’Atlas carried out a final training session on Wednesday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maâmora, before heading to the land of the Pharaohs.
During the session, which took place under the supervision of the national coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, the team focused on the physical aspect and strengthening cohesion between them, in addition to working on certain technical and tactical details.
In Egypt, Ahmed Khatir’s teammates will play in Group B alongside Nigeria, Tunisia, and Kenya. They will kick off on May 1st against Kenya (8 p.m.), before facing Nigeria on May 4th (8 p.m.) and finally Tunisia three days later (5 p.m.).
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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles land in Egypt as the most successful side in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations history.
With seven titles and a reputation built on dominance and talent development, the West African giants are once again favourites to challenge for continental glory and earn a place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Their recent triumph at the WAFU Zone B Championship, including a hard-fought win over rivals Ghana in the final, highlighted their resilience and attacking firepower.
Nigeria arrive in Egypt as the most successful side in the tournament’s history.
With a decorated legacy that spans decades, the Flying Eagles are once again among the favourites to contend for continental glory and secure qualification to the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Their journey to Egypt was marked by a thrilling triumph in the WAFU Zone B Championship, where they overcame an early setback to defeat fierce rivals Ghana in the final. The resilience and character they showed en route to the title underscored their potential to shine again on the big stage.
HOW THEY QUALIFIED
Nigeria earned their place at the TotalEnergies U-20 AFCON by winning the WAFU Zone B Championship. Despite suffering a defeat in their opening match of the competition, they bounced back with impressive wins over Côte d’Ivoire and Niger to reach the final.
In the final, they edged Ghana in a tense contest to lift the regional crown. The Flying Eagles’ resilience, sharp attacking play and strong squad depth proved decisive as they claimed another WAFU B title.
HISTORY IN THE U-20 AFCON
Nigeria are the tournament’s most successful nation, with seven titles to their name (1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2011 and 2015). They have also finished as runners-up twice, underlining their consistency and dominance at this level.
This will be Nigeria’s 14th appearance at the U-20 AFCON. Over the years, the Flying Eagles have been a launch pad for many top Super Eagles stars, including John Obi Mikel, Joseph Yobo, Julius Aghahowa, Victor Obinna, and Taye Taiwo.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kparobo Arierhi – A prolific forward who contributed directly to two goals in the WAFU final.
He was also the top scorer in the TCC League with 22 goals in 15 matches, showcasing his lethal touch in front of the goal.
Daniel Bameyi – The captain and defensive stalwart. Bameyi has already represented Nigeria at senior and U-23 level, bringing leadership, experience and solid defensive organisation to the backline.
Nathaniel Nwosu – Standing at 6.2 ft, the agile goalkeeper is known for his sharp reflexes and composure. Nwosu has become a reliable figure between the sticks for Nigeria at youth level.
COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH
Head coach Aliyu Zubairu favours an attacking brand of football, operating in a flexible 4-3-3 system. His sides press high up the pitch, dominate possession, and play with freedom in the final third.
Zubairu emphasises quick transitions and creativity in the middle of the park, making the Flying Eagles a fluid and exciting team to watch.
TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS
Nigeria have been drawn in a tough Group B that includes former champions Morocco, Kenya and Tunisia, setting the stage for a challenging group phase.
Their immediate goal will be to reach the semi-finals, which would secure qualification to the FIFA U-20 World Cup, while the ultimate target remains a record-extending eighth U-20 AFCON title.
With a history of success and a talented squad ready to make their mark, Nigeria will aim to add another chapter to their storied legacy in Egypt.
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U20 FOOTBALL
Nigeria Flying Eagles’ opponents, Kenya’s Rising Stars set sights on debut statement in Egypt
Kenya’s U-20 national team, the Rising Stars, are preparing for a historic first appearance at the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025.
After a commanding qualifying campaign, the East African nation will be looking to carry their momentum into Group B, where they face continental heavyweights Nigeria, Tunisia, and Morocco.
The Rising Stars qualified by finishing runners-up at the CECAFA U-20 qualifiers, going unbeaten throughout the tournament and showcasing their attacking flair with 14 goals scored and just one conceded.
A 4-0 win over Burundi in the semi-finals underlined their credentials, and while they fell to Tanzania in the final, their run confirmed Kenya’s emergence as a rising force in youth football.
Led by head coach Salim Babu, the team is built on tactical discipline and quick transitions, blending defensive resilience with pace and creativity in attack.
Kenya enters the tournament as underdogs, but with a confident squad and nothing to lose, they will be eager to make their mark on the continental stage.
Kenya’s U-20 Men’s National Team, known as the Rising Stars, enters the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations with high hopes following an impressive qualifying run.
Their journey to the continental tournament has been marked by resilience and a hunger for success, and the squad is determined to show their potential on the big stage.
HOW THEY QUALIFIED
Kenya secured their spot at the finals by finishing as runners-up in the CECAFA U-20 Qualifiers.
Their road to the finals saw them dominate the competition with a series of excellent performances, including a commanding 4-0 victory over Burundi in the semi-finals.
The Rising Stars went unbeaten throughout the tournament, with four wins and one draw, scoring 14 goals and conceding just one.
Despite falling short in the final to Tanzania, their overall display showed the world that Kenya’s youth football is on the rise.
HISTORY IN U-20 AFCON
This marks Kenya’s first participation in the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 AFCON, with the team eager to make an impact at the continental level.
While the Rising Stars are yet to earn silverware in this age category, their consistent development at youth levels suggests that they will be a formidable force in the competition.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Amos Wanjala – The team captain, Wanjala is a leader both on and off the pitch. His vision and passing ability will be crucial in dictating the tempo of Kenya’s play.
Manzur Okwaro – A solid presence at the back, Okwaro’s leadership and defensive solidity make him one of Kenya’s most reliable players.
Ezekiel Omuri – A dynamic forward, Omuri’s speed and technical ability make him a constant threat in front of goal. His clinical finishing will be vital in their tournament run.
COACH AND TACTICAL APPROACH
The Rising Stars are under the guidance of Salim Babu, the head coach of Nairobi City Stars, who is also overseeing the U-17 and U-18 national teams.
Babu’s approach is built on an organised defensive structure and quick transitions to attack.
His goal is to create a balanced squad capable of controlling possession while also being effective on counterattacks.
The squad’s focus will be on maintaining discipline, creativity in midfield, and clinical finishing in the final third.
TOURNAMENT AMBITIONS AND GROUP ANALYSIS
Kenya has been drawn into Group B, alongside record seven-time champions Nigeria, former champions Tunisia as well as Morocco.
The Rising Stars will have tough encounters across all their group stages and will need to dig deep against their more fancied opponents.
Kenya will need to step up and maintain their unbeaten form to navigate this tough group and progress to the knockout stages.
With a mix of experienced players and young talents, the Rising Stars are focused on making a strong statement at this year’s U-20 AFCON.
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