Former Flying Eagles head coach John Obuh believes Nigeria’s pedigree at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) makes them a major threat to the ambitions of South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco.
Nigeria booked their place at the 2025 U20 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire after winning the WAFU B U20 Championship last year.
However, the Flying Eagles now face a tough test, having been drawn in Group B alongside three continental heavyweights — South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco.
The group has been dubbed the ‘Group of Death’ due to the historical success of its teams. Between them, Nigeria, Morocco, and Egypt have won 12 U20 AFCON titles, while South Africa finished as runners-up in 1997.
With only three groups in the tournament, the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams.
Despite concerns about Nigeria’s chances of progressing, Obuh insists that it is the Flying Eagles’ opponents who should be more worried.
I’m sure that if you ask any South African, Egyptian, or Moroccan football expert, they’ll tell you that Nigeria is one of the teams they are worried about in the group,” Obuh told newsmen.
Football in Africa has evolved—there are no more minnows. Nigeria has a strong football heritage, especially in this tournament. However, that doesn’t mean we can afford to be complacent. Other countries have improved, and there are no underdogs anymore. The team that prepares better and works harder will have the edge in the group.
But first, we must qualify for the World Cup by reaching the semi-finals before thinking about the U-20 AFCON title,” Obuh stressed.
