Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have been ranked among the many high three groups for the 2025 TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) because the Confederation of African Soccer (CAF) confirmed the match’s draw process, Soccernet.ng reviews.

The biennial youth competitors will happen in Côte d’Ivoire from April 26 to Could 18, 2025, that includes 13 groups from throughout the continent.

Alongside Nigeria, the certified nations embody Egypt and Morocco (North Africa), holders Senegal and Sierra Leone (WAFU A), Ghana and hosts Côte d’Ivoire (WAFU B), Tanzania and Kenya (CECAFA), South Africa and Zambia (COSAFA), and DR Congo (Central Africa).

Nigeria received the WAFU B regional championship late final 12 months, beating Ghana within the ultimate.

— The NFF (@thenff) October 30, 2024

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, essentially the most profitable crew within the match’s historical past with seven titles, completed third within the 2023 version, which was received by Senegal.

Consequently, they’re among the many top-seeded groups, alongside Senegal and hosts Côte d’Ivoire, as per Ghana FA.

2025 U20 AFCON: Match Format & Draw Process

The 13 groups shall be divided into three teams:

Group A can have 5 groups, whereas
Teams B and C will every comprise 4 groups.
The highest two groups from every group, together with the 2 greatest third-placed groups, will qualify for the quarterfinals, resulting in the semifinals, third-place playoff, and ultimate.

CAF’s rating for the draw is as follows:

Senegal – Winners in 2023
Nigeria – Third place in 2023
Congo – Second in group stage
Egypt – Third in group stage
Zambia – Fourth in group stage

The hosts, Côte d’Ivoire, will routinely take place A1, whereas Senegal and Nigeria will occupy positions C1 and B1, respectively.

The draw shall be performed utilizing 5 pots:

Pot 1: Congo, Egypt, Zambia (to be drawn into A2, B2, and C2)
Pot 2: The remaining seven groups (to be drawn into numerous group positions)
Pot 3-5: Assigned for positions A3, B3, C3, A4, B4, C4, and A5

Nigeria Flying Eagles’ Legacy

Nigeria stay the dominant pressure in U-20 AFCON historical past with seven titles and has additionally completed as runners-up twice on the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Their final U-20 AFCON triumph got here in 2015, after they defeated hosts Senegal 1-0 within the ultimate in Dakar.

With the 2025 version set to showcase Africa’s brightest younger abilities, Nigeria will goal to reclaim their crown and prolong their document because the competitors’s most profitable crew.