Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will tackle Côte d’Ivoire’s Child Elephants in two pleasant matches after their deliberate video games in opposition to Egypt have been known as off, Soccernet.ng stories.
The Nigeria Soccer Federation has confirmed that the under-20 facet will now play the host nation of the upcoming Africa U20 Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday, twenty sixth February, and Friday, twenty eighth February 2025 in Abidjan.
The Flying Eagles squad, which has been in camp in Abuja for weeks beneath head coach Aliyu Zubairu, will journey to Abidjan on Monday, twenty fourth February.
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Zubairu had initially known as up 30 gamers for the now-cancelled video games in opposition to Egypt’s Younger Pharaohs.
Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu stays upbeat after Nigeria was drawn into a tricky U20 AFCON group with Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa.
“It’s an awesome draw. For those who intention for the FIFA World Cup, you possibly can’t draw back from sturdy opponents. It is a nice alternative, and I… pic.twitter.com/d2bKZGFCLf
— Tolu Oguntimehin (@Tolu_TOTSPORTS) February 14, 2025
The matches in opposition to Egypt have been scrapped after each nations have been drawn into Group B of the upcoming AFCON U20 match, together with Morocco and South Africa.
With aggressive motion forward, the Flying Eagles will now take a look at themselves in opposition to Côte d’Ivoire, who can be desirous to impress on dwelling soil.
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Nigeria boast a powerful current document in opposition to their new opponents, having defeated Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 within the group stage of the WAFU B U20 Championship in Togo final October. That victory propelled the Flying Eagles into the semi-finals, the place they went on to retain their regional title.
This isn’t the primary time Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire have crossed paths at youth degree. One among their most well-known encounters dates again 42 years, once they contested the Tessema Cup closing—the previous trophy for Africa’s U20 champions, named after CAF President Ydnekatchew Tessema.
The 2-legged closing in 1983 noticed Nigeria edge their rivals 4-3 on combination, with the decisive second coming from Dahiru Sadi’s long-range strike in Lagos. Each groups had already certified for the FIFA World Youth Championship in Mexico, however the fixture determined the continental champion.
With the AFCON set to run from twenty sixth April to 18th Could, Nigeria can be aiming for a powerful match, understanding {that a} semi-final place ensures qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile (twenty seventh September – nineteenth October 2025).
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns right into a ball of ardour when writing about Nigerian soccer and its skills, whether or not rising stars or established legends, domestically and overseas.
From the deepest corners of the Center East, to the inexperienced fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the wealthy soils of Africa, Imhons is greater than glad, often with a glass of a tasty drink close by, to seize the essence of the sport, by connecting the dots between tradition, id, and soccer.