The Flying Eagles are set to face off against the Young Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in their opening fixture at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations. The match will take place at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo on Thursday. Defender Emmanuel Chukwu has expressed the team’s determination to secure maximum points in the Group B fixture.
“We understand the importance of this game, as it is our first game in the competition,” Chukwu told NFF TV. “Our coaches have prepared us for the task ahead. They have also told us how to approach the game. We are going for the three points, we are ready, and sure won’t disappoint the fans.”
The 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations will serve as the qualifier for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which will be hosted by Chile later in the year. The four semi-finalists from the U-20 AFCON will compete at the World Cup. Chukwu stated that the team’s primary target is to secure a World Cup ticket before aiming for the trophy.
“Like the coach said, the first target is to get the ticket to the World Cup first, and then we can look forward to taking the trophy home,” Chukwu added. This will be the fifth meeting between Nigeria and Tunisia at this level, with Nigeria having three wins, Tunisia one win, and one draw. The Flying Eagles have scored in all five of their previous meetings with the North Africans.
The competition promises to be an exciting affair, with several talented teams vying for a spot at the World Cup. The Flying Eagles will need to bring their A-game if they hope to succeed in their quest for qualification and potentially win the title.
As the team prepares to take on Tunisia, they are focused on making a positive start to the competition. With the guidance of their coaches and the determination of the players, the Flying Eagles are confident that they can achieve their goals and make a strong impression in the tournament.
The 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations is a significant platform for young players to showcase their talents and potentially launch their careers in the world of football. With the Flying Eagles aiming to qualify for the World Cup and win the title, the competition is set to be an thrilling event for football fans.