BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles open their Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations account this evening as they file out against Tunisia, a team that has always fallen prey to Nigeria’s firepower.

In five previous encounters dating back to 1981, Nigeria won three and lost just once and drew one. In all instances, Nigeria always score.

In those encounters, Nigeria scored a massive 12 and twice beat Tunisia 4-0 in 1981 and 2023.

If the facts of both teams’ previous encounters, as well as their performances in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, are key determinants, the odds weighed overwhelmingly in Nigeria’s favour.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are nine-time finalists and the most successful team at the finals with seven titles.

They were champions in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2011 and 2015.

Egypt 2025 is their 19th appearance in 23 editions. They missed out on qualification only four times in 1993, 2001, 2017 and 2021.

The Flying Eagles in their previous 18 qualifications have reached the semi-finals at least 16 times. They have exited in the group stage only twice in 1993 and 2001.

Nigeria finished in the top three position 15 times and only ended fourth once in 2019. However, they have never won the tournament in North Africa. Egypt 2025 is where they hope to break the apparent jinx.

Their good run in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations has seen them have just one loss in their last 11 group stage games (W8 D2). Their defeat against Senegal in their opening game in 2023 is their only loss.

In their last 10 tournament appearances, the Flying Eagles have won their opening game seven times. They have lost twice, to Mali in 2013 and Senegal in 2023, both 1-0 losses. They also drew with Mali 0-0 in 2001.

For Tunisia, the last qualifiers, whose appearance was a direct result of Côte d’Ivoire pulling out, this is their third consecutive qualification.

 Their best finish is asrunners-up to Nigeria in 1985, and they will feature in a finals tournament hosted by a fellow North African side for the first time.

Tunisia reached the semi-finals at the last two finals they have featured at, finishing fourth in 2021 and 2023.

They reached the semi-finals in 2023 despite failing to win their first two games, beginning with a 1-0 loss against Gambia and then drawing 0-0 with Benin, before winning their final game against Zambia 2-1.

They drew 3-3 with Congo in the quarter-final before winning on penalties, then lost to Senegal and Nigeria in the play-off for third.

 Tunisia have conceded at least three goals in each of their last three games at the finals. They drew 3-3 with Congo in the quarterfinals before winning on penalties but then lost 3-0 and 4-0 respectively to Senegal and Nigeria.

They are winless in their last nine games against West African teams (D6 L3).

Tunisia’s last win over a West African team was a 1-0 away success in the first leg of their first-round tie against Guinea in 1987. They won 2-1 on aggregate after the second leg ended 1-1. 

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The U-20 Africa Cup of Nations has always been more than just a youth tournament — it’s a window into the future of African football.

Over the decades, the competition has unveiled extraordinary talents who first captured continental attention before ascending to the heights of world football.

Each edition is a showcase of raw ambition, where tomorrow’s global icons take their first bold steps toward greatness.

As Egypt hosts the 2025 tournament, the legacy of past heroes continues to inspire every young player chasing a dream on these fields.

Their journeys remind us that today’s rising star could become tomorrow’s Champions League winner, Ballon d’Or contender, or national legend.

Africa’s U-20 AFCON is rich with stories of players who turned early promise into global superstardom.
It is a breeding ground where grit, talent, and destiny meet — and where football’s biggest careers are often born.

For the millions watching and the hundreds competing, these examples prove that the journey from the dusty pitches of youth tournaments to the grand stages of Europe is not just possible — it’s a path already blazed.

Here are five iconic players who once dazzled at the U-20 AFCON before taking over the football world.
Their stories continue to inspire the young talents lighting up Egypt 2025 today.

Yaya Touré (Cote d’Ivoire)

Yaya Touré announced himself to the world at the 2003 U-20 AFCON, where his commanding performances earned him the tournament’s Best Player award.
Touré’s brilliance propelled him into Europe, first with clubs like Beveren and Olympiacos, and ultimately with Barcelona, where he was a key figure in their treble-winning 2009 season.
Later, he became a Premier League powerhouse at Manchester City, reshaping how the modern midfield role is defined.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Long before he became Liverpool’s Egyptian King, Mohamed Salah’s raw talent was evident during his youth international appearances, including the U-20 AFCON.
His career pathway — from Basel to Chelsea to Roma — paved the way for a record-breaking spell at Liverpool, where he led the club to Champions League and Premier League glory, shattering scoring records and collecting countless individual accolades.

Michael Essien (Ghana)

At the 2001 U-20 AFCON in Ethiopia, Michael Essien showcased the fierce determination and all-action style that would later make him a Chelsea legend.
Essien’s tireless energy, thunderous tackles, and long-range stunners made him one of the most formidable midfielders of his era, playing a crucial role in Chelsea’s domestic dominance and European success.

Samuel Osei Kuffour (Ghana)

Defensive titan Samuel Osei Kuffour first caught the world’s eye during youth competitions like the U-20 AFCON.
His resilience, strength, and leadership quickly earned him a career at Bayern Munich, where he amassed Bundesliga titles and lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy, becoming one of Africa’s greatest defenders.

Seydou Keita (Mali)

Seydou Keita’s brilliance shone at the 1999 U-20 AFCON in Nigeria, marking the start of an illustrious career.
His intelligence, work rate, and versatility made him indispensable at European clubs, notably at Barcelona, where he was part of one of the most dominant teams in football history.

These players’ journeys — from continental hopefuls to world-beaters — underline why the U-20 AFCON remains one of Africa’s greatest gifts to global football.
As young talents now compete in Egypt, their dreams burn bright, knowing the path from local promise to international legend is a trail already blazed by giants.

CAF

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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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