U20 AFCON: Flying Eagles to Battle Tunisia, Kenya, Morocco in Group B

By Ikemefuna Asika

Nigeria will now have to contend with Morocco, Kenya and Tunisia in the group phase of the 24th Africa U20 Cup of Nations taking place in Egypt, from 27th April through 18th May this year.

At the fresh draw conducted in the headquarters of the Egypt Football Association in Cairo Egypt and South Africa, who were originally in Nigeria’s pool before Cote d’Ivoire withdrew as tournament hosts, found themselves in Group A.

New hosts Egypt head Group A, which has five teams – Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Tanzania as the other teams.

However, just like it was originally, the Flying Eagles will confront two North African teams (this time, Tunisia and Morocco), as well as East Africans, Kenya for a place in the quarter-finals.

Cup holders Senegal will play in Group C, with Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo and Ghana as opponents.

Meanwhile, following the Flying Eagles three-week training camp in Katsina, the seven-time African champions are expected to fly to Egypt this week for an eight-day final-phase preparation before the competition commences.

All four semi-finalists at the tournament in Egypt will fly Africa’s flag at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile from 27th September – 19th October.

GROUP A: Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania

GROUP B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Morocco

GROUP C: Senegal, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ghana