Flying Eagles soar into Cairo with eyes on AFCON U20 glory, set to battle Young Pharaohs

Flying Eagles soar into Cairo with eyes on AFCON U20 glory, set to battle Young Pharaohs

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 22:09 - 21.04.2025

Flying Eagles arrive in Cairo for U20 AFCON, face Egypt in a friendly on Tuesday. Nigeria starts campaign vs Tunisia on May 1, aiming for FIFA U20 World Cup qualification.

Nigeria’s fearless U20 squad, the Flying Eagles, jetted into the vibrant heart of Cairo last night, ready to conquer the 17th Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

Seven-time kings of the continent, this talented crew, led by the tactically astute Coach Aliyu Zubairu, touched down at Cairo International Airport on an Egypt Air flight, brimming with ambition.

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With 24 players and nine officials in tow, the team’s arrival sent a buzz through the city, as fans eagerly await their campaign kickoff.

Settling into the plush Jewel Sports City and Aqua Resort, the Flying Eagles are wasting no time. They’ll hit the training pitch Monday evening, fine-tuning their game plan under Cairo’s golden sunset.

Flying Eagles land in Egypt.

But the real fireworks are set for Tuesday, when Nigeria locks horns with Egypt’s Young Pharaohs in a mouthwatering friendly at the iconic Cairo International Stadium.

Kickoff is 5pm local time (4pm Nigeria time), and the atmosphere promises to be electric as the hosts test the Eagles’ mettle.

Flying Eagles are eyeing an eighth AFCON win.

This is no ordinary tournament. The Africa U20 Cup of Nations, running April 27 to May 18, is Nigeria’s gateway to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile (September 27 – October 19).

Only the four semi-finalists will punch their ticket to South America, and the Flying Eagles are hungry to soar among them.

Coach Zubairu believes it is a blessing to face South Africa and others.

Their journey begins in style against Tunisia on May 1 at the 30 June Stadium, where they’ll look to unleash their flair and firepower.

With a legacy to uphold and a world stage in sight, the Flying Eagles aren’t just here to compete, they’re here to dominate.