Former Marseille man urges Nigeria’s Flying Eagles to fear no one at U20 AFCON

Former Super Eagles defender Taiye Taiwo has called on Nigeria’s Flying Eagles to approach the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with confidence, pride, and self-belief, Footynaija.com reports.

Taiwo was a key member of the Flying Eagles squad that won the U20 AFCON – Nigeria’s fifth title at the time – hosted by Benin Republic in 2005.

The former Olympique Marseille man later played a crucial role as Nigeria reached the final of the U20 World Cup in the Netherlands later that year.

Speaking ahead of the 2025 AFCON, Taiwo has offered words of encouragement to the current squad as they gear up for their Group B opener against Tunisia next Thursday.

“Believe in yourself, whether you’re a striker or a defender, trust your abilities. Don’t be afraid. Go out there, play your best, and enjoy the game. Represent Nigeria with pride,” Taiwo said during an interview on Lasgidi FM, as quoted by The Punch.

Flying Eagles’ Group B schedule at the U20 AFCON in Morocco

May 1: Nigeria vs Tunisia – 6pm
May 4: Nigeria vs Morocco – 9pm
May 7: Nigeria vs Kenya – 6pm pic.twitter.com/1prnEhJc5k

— Imhons Erons (@Imhons) April 20, 2025

The Flying Eagles warmed up for the tournament with a 2-1 friendly victory over Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday – a performance that underlined their readiness to compete on the continental stage.

Taiwo, reflecting on his own experience, stressed the importance of staying composed and playing with joy.

“Don’t stress too much. Just play the game you love and enjoy the experience. You’ve earned the right to be there, and now it’s time to show what you can do,” he added.

On Tuessay, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles defeated U20 AFCON hosts nation – Egypt’s Young Pharaohs 2-1 in a pre-Cup of Nations friendly at the Cairo International Stadium.

Goals from Kparobo Arierhi & Precious Benjamin sealed a solid test win for Nigeria’s U20s.

Egypt 1-2 Nigeria pic.twitter.com/PdUyyDZghO

— Alie Bittar (@bittar32) April 22, 2025

The veteran full-back also emphasised the value of unity, recalling the togetherness that characterised the 2005 squad that reached the final of the U20 World Cup, losing only to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina.

He said: “We were all very happy to represent Nigeria. We had a fantastic coach who gave us a lot of freedom, and that allowed us to bring out our best. We played for one another, and that was the most important thing.”

Nigeria, seven-time African champions at this level, will begin their Group B campaign against Tunisia, before further matches against Morocco and Kenya.