Golden Eaglets head coach Manu Garba has called on Nigeria’s U20 national team, the Flying Eagles, to remain focused ahead of their crucial Group B opener against Tunisia at the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite their encouraging win over Egypt in a pre-tournament friendly.
The Flying Eagles defeated host nation Egypt 2–1 in an international warm-up match on Tuesday, a performance that drew praise from across the football community.
Reacting to the result, Coach Garba applauded the team’s effort and noted the psychological benefit of the win ahead of the tournament.
“Congratulations to our Flying Eagles,” Garba wrote. “That will give them a psychological boost to kick-start the AFCON U20 tournament with confidence.”
Garba won the 2015 African U-20 Championship. Photo Credit: X
However, he was quick to remind the team that the real challenge lies ahead.
“We must put behind the victory and focus on Tunisia, for that is the most important game for now. Good luck as we pray for victory against Tunisia and in subsequent matches.”
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Following the friendly match, Egypt’s U20 head coach Osama Nabih praised the quality and organization of the Nigerian team. Speaking to the official website of the Egypt Football Association, Nabih admitted his side faced a formidable opponent.
“We faced a strong and well-organized team,” he said. “Our players gained one of their most valuable and intense experiences in terms of technique, tactics, and physicality.”
Flying Eagles Set for Tough Group B Battles
Nigeria, seven-time champions of the U20 AFCON, have been drawn in Group B alongside Tunisia, Kenya, and Morocco. They will kick off their campaign against Tunisia in what is expected to be a feisty encounter.
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Egypt, on the other hand, will feature in Group A alongside Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Tanzania as the tournament promises fierce competition.
The 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations will run from April 27 to May 18, with 13 teams competing for the continental crown. The top four teams reaching the semifinals will automatically qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup.
