Ivory Coast’s U20 national team will intensify their preparations for the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with two high-stakes friendlies against Nigeria.
The Elephanteaux, under the guidance of head coach Younès Zerdouk, will hold an internal training camp from February 24 to 28, 2025, at the Municipal Stadium in Bingerville.
The two friendly matches, scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, and Friday, February 28, are expected to play a crucial role in Ivory Coast’s build-up to the continental tournament, set to take place in April.
These fixtures offer Zerdouk the perfect platform to fine-tune his squad and assess their readiness against one of Africa’s most competitive youth teams.
“This camp is a vital part of our preparation. Nigeria is a strong side, and these matches will help us evaluate where we stand and what needs improvement,” said Younès Zerdouk, who is keen to see how his players respond to the challenge.
Nigeria, who have already secured their spot in the U20 AFCON, will arrive as tough opponents. In their last meeting during the qualification rounds in October, Ivory Coast narrowly lost 2-1 to the Nigerians.
Zerdouk’s squad will now be seeking redemption and an opportunity to showcase their growth since that encounter.
“These games are about more than just results—they’re about building chemistry, testing strategies, and preparing for the demands of a major tournament,” added Zerdouk.
The training camp follows two external sessions held earlier in February, where the focus was on individual player development and team cohesion.
This internal camp, however, is designed for more tactical refinement and real-game simulations, with the Nigeria friendlies providing the ultimate test.
For the young Ivorian players, these matches are a chance to impress the coaching staff and secure a place in the final squad for the U20 AFCON.
With the tournament being hosted on home soil, the pressure is on the Elephanteaux to perform and live up to expectations.
Facing Nigeria will be a significant challenge. Known for their disciplined defensive setup and quick attacking transitions, the Nigerian U20 side offers the kind of opposition that will push Ivory Coast to their limits. But Zerdouk is confident in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion.
“These players have shown great commitment during training, and I believe we are heading in the right direction,” Zerdouk emphasized.
“We want to use these games to strengthen our team spirit and ensure we’re fully prepared for April.”
The friendlies will also give Zerdouk an opportunity to experiment with different formations and test player versatility, key elements as the team builds towards the demanding AFCON schedule.
While Ivory Coast focuses on preparation, Nigeria sees the fixtures as a chance to maintain their sharpness ahead of the tournament.
This shared ambition is expected to produce two intense, competitive games that will offer valuable lessons for both sides.
With the U20 AFCON fast approaching, Ivory Coast knows the importance of these matches.
A strong showing against Nigeria would not only boost team morale but also signal the Elephanteaux’s intent to be serious contenders when the tournament kicks off in April.
