Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have been ranked among the top three teams for the 2025 TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed the tournament’s draw procedure.
The biennial youth competition will take place in Côte d’Ivoire from April 26 to May 18, 2025, featuring 13 teams from across the continent.
The following nations have secured their spots in the tournament:
- North Africa: Egypt, Morocco
- WAFU A: Senegal (defending champions), Sierra Leone
- WAFU B: Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire (hosts)
- CECAFA: Tanzania, Kenya
- COSAFA: South Africa, Zambia
- Central Africa: DR Congo
Nigeria qualified after winning the WAFU B championship last year, defeating Ghana in the final. The Flying Eagles, the most successful team in U-20 AFCON history with seven titles, finished third in the 2023 edition, which was won by Senegal.
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Tournament Format & Draw Procedure
As a result of their past performance, Nigeria has been placed among the top-seeded teams, alongside Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire (hosts), according to the Ghana FA.
Group Stage Setup
- Group A – Five teams
- Groups B & C – Four teams each
The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will qualify for the quarterfinals, leading to the semifinals, third-place playoff, and final.
CAF Draw Rankings
- Senegal – 2023 champions
- Nigeria – Third place in 2023
- Congo – Second in group stage
- Egypt – Third in group stage
- Zambia – Fourth in group stage
Pre-Assigned Positions
- Côte d’Ivoire (hosts) – A1
- Senegal – C1
- Nigeria – B1
The draw will be conducted using five pots:
- Pot 1: Congo, Egypt, Zambia (to be drawn into A2, B2, and C2)
- Pot 2: Remaining seven teams (to be drawn into groups)
- Pots 3-5: Assigned positions for A3, B3, C3, A4, B4, C4, and A5
Flying Eagles’ Historic Dominance
Nigeria remains the most successful team in U-20 AFCON history, having won seven titles and finishing as FIFA U-20 World Cup runners-up twice. Their last U-20 AFCON victory came in 2015, when they defeated Senegal 1-0 in the final.
With the 2025 tournament set to showcase Africa’s best young talents, Nigeria will be determined to reclaim their title and further cement their legacy as the continent’s most dominant U-20 team.
