By Dianabasi Effiong
Seven-time champions Nigeria are up against tough customers Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco in the group phase of this year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations, scheduled for Cote d’Ivoire from 26th April – 18th May.
The Flying Eagles defeated the host nation, Egypt, 1-0 in a group phase match at the last edition of the competition and must ensure a great start to their campaign in Cote d’Ivoire to build confidence for a gritty tournament.
Nigeria finished third in Egypt two years ago.
Former Malian player Adama Coulibaly, who was an assistant at the draw conducted inside the CAF headquarters in Egypt on Thursday, said: “There is no doubt that the toughest group is group B that has Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco.”
Hosts Cote d’Ivoire will have to contend with DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, and the yet-to-emerge representative team of the Central Africa zone in a five-team group A.
Cup-holders Senegal head group C, which also has Zambia and two debutants Kenya and Sierra Leone.
The two top-placed teams in each group, alongside the best two third-placed finishers in the three groups, will advance to the championship’s quarter-finals.
GROUP A: Cote d’Ivoire, UNNIFAC, DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania.
GROUP B: Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Morocco.
GROUP C: Senegal, Zambia, Kenya, Sierra Leone.