By Victor Kanayo
Seven-time champions Nigeria will battle it out with tough opponents Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco in the group phase of the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to take place in Côte d’Ivoire between 26 April and 18 May.
Nigeria edged host nation Egypt 1-0 in a group phase match at the last edition of the competition and must ensure a strong start to their campaign in Côte d’Ivoire to build confidence for a challenging tournament.
Nigeria finished third in Egypt two years ago.
Former Malian player Adama Coulibaly, who was an assistant at the draw conducted inside the CAF headquarters in Egypt on Thursday, said: “There is no doubt that the toughest group is Group B, which has Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco.”
Hosts Côte d’Ivoire will have to contend with DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, and the yet-to-emerge representative team from the Central Africa zone in a five-team Group A.
Cup holders Senegal head Group C, which also includes Zambia and two debutants, Kenya and Sierra Leone.
The two top-placed teams in each group, alongside the two best third-placed finishers across the three groups, will advance to the championship’s quarter-finals.
