Nigeria defender Emmanuel Chukwu has underlined the team’s ambition ahead of their opening fixture at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, with a clear focus on securing early momentum and eventual qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The Flying Eagles, the most decorated nation in the history of the U-20 AFCON, will begin their Group B campaign against Tunisia at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo.
Drawn into a challenging group alongside former champions Morocco and Kenya, Nigeria is aiming for a commanding start to set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Chukwu shared his confidence in the squad’s preparation and the desire to make a statement in their first match.
“We are fully focused on getting three points in our opener,” the defender said. “We understand what is at stake, and we’re determined to make our supporters proud.”
The tournament not only offers continental honours but also serves as a qualifying pathway to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which is set to be staged in Chile.
Only the top four teams from the African championship, the semi-finalists, will earn a place on the global stage. For Chukwu and his teammates, qualification for the World Cup is a primary goal.
“Our first target is to qualify for the World Cup,” Chukwu stated. “Winning the tournament would be an added bonus, but securing that ticket to Chile is what drives us right now.”
Nigeria’s pedigree at this level is unmatched. The Flying Eagles have lifted the U-20 AFCON title a record number of times and are widely regarded as one of the most consistent performers in youth football on the continent. Their experience and depth are expected to be crucial in navigating a tough group.
The match against Tunisia will mark the fifth meeting between the two sides at this level. Historically, Nigeria has held the upper hand with three wins from their previous encounters.
Tunisia has managed one victory, while one match ended in a draw. Notably, the Flying Eagles have found the net in every meeting against the North African side, a trend they will be eager to continue in Cairo.
Chukwu, who has emerged as a key figure in Nigeria’s defensive setup, stressed the importance of unity and focus as the team embarks on their campaign.
“We’ve trained hard and worked together as a team. Everyone knows their role, and we’re ready to give everything on the pitch,” he said.
As the competition kicks off, the expectations on Nigeria remain high, both from within the camp and from a football-loving nation that has grown accustomed to success at youth level.
With a balanced squad and strong motivation, the Flying Eagles are poised to make another deep run in the tournament, one that they hope will end with a place in the semi-finals and a ticket to Chile.
Nigeria’s opening match against Tunisia is viewed as a crucial first step in that journey, with Chukwu and his teammates fully aware of the significance of starting strong in a tightly contested group.
