Nigeria’s Flying Eagles face a stern challenge ahead of the 2024 U20 WAFU B Championship, with the draw placing them in a tough Group B alongside regional powerhouses Burkina Faso and Cote d’Ivoire, Soccernet.ng reports.
The draw, conducted on Thursday afternoon, revealed that the Flying Eagles, champions of the 2011 edition, will have to battle it out in a three-team group as they aim for a spot in the U20 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Group A looks somewhat more straightforward, featuring hosts Togo, alongside Niger, Ghana, and Benin.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the semifinals of the tournament, which serves as the qualifier for the U20 AFCON scheduled for January 2025 in South Africa.
This edition of the AFCON as always will double as the qualifier for the 2025 U20 World Cup, which will take place in Chile.
Interestingly, South Africa last hosted the U20 AFCON in 2011, a tournament Nigeria won, adding a nostalgic boost to the Flying Eagles’ hopes.
However, before setting their sights on South Africa, the Flying Eagles must first navigate their way through a challenging WAFU B qualifying tournament.
Last year, Nigeria finished third in the U20 AFCON in Egypt, securing their place at the U20 World Cup in Argentina.
Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu remains confident in his team’s ability to qualify.
Speaking to BSN Sports, he stated, “The major competition before us now is WAFU B Championship, and I believe that qualifying for the U20 AFCON is not going to be negotiable. Certainly, Nigeria must pick a ticket to the CAF U20 Nations Cup. That’s not negotiable.”
As defending champions of the 2022 WAFU B tournament, Nigeria will aim to maintain their dominance and secure a spot in the next AFCON.