Seven time champions Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will know their opponents for the 2025 CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) today as the Confederation of African Football conducts the draw in Cairo, Egypt.
The eventmarks a significant moment for the young Nigerian footballers as they prepare for one of Africa’s premier youth tournaments, set to take place in Cote d’Ivoire from April 26 to May 18, 2025. The draw will be broadcast live on CAF TV, with former Mali international Adama Coulibaly and ex-Senegal star Souleymane Camara serving as draw assistants.
This year’s tournament promises thrilling competition among 14 teams, all vying for glory and a chance to qualify for the prestigious 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile.
Teams already confirmed for the tournament include host nation Cote d’Ivoire, alongside DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia, with one more team from the UNIFFAC region still to be determined. The format for the draw will see the teams divided into three groups, with Nigeria positioned in Group B as one of the top seeds after their impressive third-place finish in the 2023 edition.
As anticipation builds, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the draw unfolds and which teams will emerge as formidable contenders. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed sides, will advance to the knockout stages, setting the stage for potentially unforgettable matches.
With the Flying Eagles looking to reclaim their status as champions, today’s draw will not only shape the tournament but also ignite the hopes of millions of Nigerian supporters who are rallying behind their young stars. As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on Cairo, where the future of African youth football will be determined.