U20 FOOTBALL
From U-20 AFCON stage to global stardom: The five legends who rose from Africa’s youth tournament
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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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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From U-20 AFCON stage to global stardom: The five legends who rose from Africa’s youth tournament
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