Nigeria’s U20 national football team has arrived in Cairo as preparations intensify for the 17th edition of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, set to begin in Egypt next Sunday.
With their eyes firmly set on continental glory, the Flying Eagles will sharpen their readiness with a high-profile warm-up fixture against the host nation.
Led by head coach Aliyu Zubairu, the Nigerian delegation touched down at Cairo International Airport on Sunday evening aboard an Egypt Air flight.
The contingent includes 24 players and nine backroom staff, all focused on a strong showing at a tournament that doubles as the continent’s qualifying route to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile later this year.
The seven-time champions have settled into their base at the Jewel Sports City and Aqua Resort in Cairo, where they are expected to hold their first training session on Monday evening.
Zubairu’s side will not waste time getting into competitive rhythm, as they prepare to face Egypt’s U20 team—the Young Pharaohs—on Tuesday in a crucial preparatory fixture.
The friendly match, scheduled to kick off at 5:00 PM local time (4:00 PM in Nigeria), will be staged at the Cairo International Stadium.
It offers both teams a final opportunity to test tactical setups and assess squad sharpness ahead of the group stage battles.
Nigeria’s tournament opener is set for Thursday, May 1, when they take on Tunisia at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo.
With four semi-final slots up for grabs, and each guaranteeing a ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile from September 27 to October 19, the stakes are high.
The Flying Eagles enter the tournament with a legacy to uphold, having won the U20 AFCON a record seven times.
Their most recent continental triumph came in 2015, and the team will be determined to reclaim that title after falling short in recent editions.
For coach Zubairu, the clash with Egypt is more than just a dress rehearsal—it is a vital barometer of how far his team has come during their pre-tournament build-up.
The fixture will also provide an opportunity for final tactical adjustments and for players to stake their claim for a place in the starting line-up.
The Flying Eagles’ presence in Cairo has already generated interest among local fans and the Nigerian diaspora in Egypt, who are expected to turn out in support when the young side takes to the pitch.
As the countdown to the tournament begins, Nigeria’s focus remains sharp: deliver on the continent, and punch their ticket to the global stage.
With a blend of experience and emerging talent, the team will be hoping to begin their campaign on a high note and build momentum through the tournament.
The friendly against the Young Pharaohs is a crucial step in that journey—an early test of mettle and cohesion before the real battles begin.
