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Tag: AFCON U20

  • AFCON U20: Flying Eagles’ Alabi  warns South Africa

    AFCON U20: Flying Eagles’ Alabi  warns South Africa

    Flying Eagles midfielder Suleiman Alabi has disclosed that they are ready to crush any team that stand in their ways and the U20 AFCON title ahead of their Thursday semifinal tie with the Amajita of South Africa.

    South Africa booked their spot in the semi-finals after edging DR Congo 1-0 during the extra time on Monday to set up a high-stakes clash with the Flying Eagles.

    Reflecting on Nigeria’s victory and qualification for the U-20 World Cup, Alabi expressed his delight and made it clear the team’s eyes are now firmly on the continental title.

    Read Also: NFF to organize Coach Educators’ programme in June

     “I’m very happy with the win. Qualifying for the World Cup is a dream comes true for me,” Alabi said. “Now, our focus is on the remaining matches — we’re determined to win the AFCON.”

    The semi-final showdown between Nigeria and South Africa is scheduled for tomorrow in the  Suez.

  • AFCON U20: Kenya name  strong squad for  Nigeria

    AFCON U20: Kenya name  strong squad for  Nigeria

    Kenya’s head coach Salim Babu has reportedly  named a strong squad to face Nigeria at the Africa U20 AFCON.

    The Rising Stars have been drawn into a tough group alongside Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, Tunisia, and Morocco.

    Following a training camp in Morocco featuring 35 players, Coach Babu has now trimmed the squad down to the official list.

    Read Also:Flying Eagles get tricky foes in fresh U20 AFCON draw

    Notably, established names such as Aldrine Kibet and Amos Wanjala have made the final cut.

    Final Squad List:

    Goalkeepers: Kevin Oduor; Wyclifford Odour; Bernard Jairo

    Defenders: Baron Ochieng; Humphrey Obina;Jackson Imbiaka; Joseph Bate; Manzu Okwaro; Amos Wanjala; Telena Ochieng;Collin Ochieng

    Midfielders: Kevin Wangaya;Emilio Brian; Irad Mishindi;Mark Shaban;Humphrey Aroko;Aldrine Kibet; Kelly Madada

    Forwards:Hassan Beja;Ezekiel Omuri;Elly Owande;William Gitama;Javan Omondi;Lawrence Ouma; Oliver Machaka

  • AFCON U20: ‘Group of death’ blessing in disguise, says Flying Eagles coach

    AFCON U20: ‘Group of death’ blessing in disguise, says Flying Eagles coach

    Nigeria U20 head coach Aliyu Zubairu remains unbothered by the tough opponents drawn alongside the Flying Eagles in the group stage of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.

    The AFCON U20 draw, conducted on Thursday, placed record seven-time winners Nigeria in Group B alongside three formidable teams: Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa.

    Egypt, a four-time U20 AFCON champion, boasts a rich history in the competition, finishing runners-up in 2005 and claiming bronze on three occasions.

    Morocco, winners of the 1997 tournament on home soil, edged South Africa 1-0 in that final. South Africa, meanwhile, have only reached the final once but secured a bronze medal in 2019 after beating Nigeria on penalties.

    Despite the high-caliber opposition, Zubairu is optimistic about Nigeria’s chances.

    Read Also: NFF sure of  improved  Super Eagles, Super  Falcons in 2025

    “It’s a very good draw,” Zubairu told the NFF.

    “If a team truly aspires to reach the FIFA World Cup, there is no need to shy away from any opponent. Facing Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa at this stage presents a tremendous opportunity. I believe it’s a blessing.”

    While Nigeria’s Group B includes three former champions, Group A consists of hosts Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Ghana,

    Tanzania, and a yet-to-qualify team from the UNIFFAC zone.

    Group C features defending champions Senegal, Zambia, Sierra Leone, and Kenya.

    With Nigeria’s group viewed as the toughest, some have labeled it the “group of death.” However, Zubairu has dismissed this notion.

    “We need to dispel the notion that this is a ‘group of death,’” he said.

    “In African football, there are no small teams anymore. The key is to prepare very well. A lesser-known nation can surprise everyone if they come