Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are set to battle the Junior Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in the ongoing Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations Group B opener at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Thursday, May 1, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria, having won the AFCON U-20 on seven different occasions in the past, is the most successful nation in the tournament’s history and the Flying Eagles have now set their sights on a record-extending eighth triumph ahead of their opening game against Tunisia.
Asides Tunisia, Nigeria will also have to overcome stern tests against Kenya and one-time AFCON U20 champions Morocco, who are also members of a very tough Group B.
Up against a familiar foe
Thursday’s clash at the 30 June Stadium will not be the first meeting between Nigeria’s Flying Eagles and their North African counterparts.
A clash steeped in history, this fixture revives the echoes of Nigeria’s glorious 1985 final win over Tunisia and the emphatic 4-0 demolition just two years ago in a third-place playoff match.
With this superior h2h record, Nigeria will be heading into Thursday’s game with plenty of confidence, especially after their recent victory in a friendly game against hosts Egypt earlier this week.
Team News
Nigeria, led by head coach Aliyu Zubairu, qualified for the 2025 U20 AFCON by winning the West Africa Football Union Zone B Cup after overcoming Ghana in the final. The Flying Eagles boast a squad of very talented players including a fine mix of local and international based players.
Meanwhile, Tunisia, led by Mejdi Traoui, secured their place in the Africa U20 Cup of Nations through a “Wild Card” granted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The Eagles of Carthage take the spot vacated by Ivory Coast after they withdrew from hosting duties for the tournament.
Prediction
Nigeria are the most successful side in the competition’s history with seven triumphs to their name. As for Tunisia, they will be looking to pull off a surprise in this year’s tournament and lift the Cup for the first time in their history.
Judging by the pedigree of both nations at this level and the existing head-to-head record between both sides, Footynaija.com is predicting a comfortable 2-0 win for the Flying Eagles.
Players to watch
Nigeria’s striker Kparobo Areirhi was highly instrumental to the Flying Eagles’ WAFU Zone B triumph and the Lillestrom SK forward will certainly be looking to make a strong impact on the wider continental stage. TSG Hoffenheim’s Precious Benjamin, Forster Academy’s Divine Oliseh and Enyimba FC’s Clinton Jephta are also players to look out for.
From a Tunisia point of view, the likes of Khelil Ayari (Stade Tunisien) and Youssef Becha (CS Sfaxien) are players who could potentially play significant roles.