TotalEnergies U-20 AFCON: Nigeria Target 8th Title

TotalEnergies U-20 AFCON: Nigeria Target 8th Title

Nigeria, the record champions of the TotalEnergies U-20 Cup of Nations, are back in the tournament with the sole mission of winning the trophy after missing the previous edition in Mauritania. 

Flying Eagles of Nigeria qualified for TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2023 by virtue of emerging Champions at WAFU B U-20 regional tournament in May 2022 in Niger.

In the process of team's qualification, the Nigeria U-20 men's team defeated 2021 AFCON cup holders, Ghana 2-0 , Cote'd Ivore 2-1 in the semi final and Benin Republic 3-1 on final day to be crowned WAFU B regional champions.  

The seven-time champions have been drawn against hosts Egypt, Senegal and Mozambique in Group A.

History in U-20 AFCON

Nigeria is the most successful nation in the history of the AFCON U20 tournament since the competition began in 1979, having been crowned champions seven times with the first in 1983 and the most recent in 2015 defeating host nation Senegal 1-0 in the final.  

The Flying Eagles have lost only two finals in 1999 and 2007 while finishing third on three occasions in 1995, 2005, 2013 and fourth in 2019.

The Coach:

Ladan Bosso is the man in charge of the Flying Eagles of Nigeria. Having tinkered the team to be crowned WAFU B U-20 Champions in Niger last year, the Former Wikki Tourists, Abia Warriors and Ifeanyi Ubah FC manager is expected lead the charge once again as the seven-time champions make their 18th appearance in the competition. 

The Flying Eagles are a force to be reckoned with under Bosso whose rebuilding process continued after his team won the zonal qualifying tournament last year.  

His eyes are fixed towards achieving a podium finish for the team that has won the tournament more than any other nation. 

Players to watch:

Ibrahim Beji Muhammad is a 19-year-old winger operating from the left. The pacy left footed player plys his trade with Cartegena FC in the Spanish second tier. Muhammad played a key role in qualifying the Flying Eagles for this year’s edition in Egypt.

He scored crucial goals against Ghana, Burkina Faso and Benin Republic while the Nigerians emerged WAFU B Champions. He certainly one of the stars to watch out for.

Another player to look out for is 16-year-old Daniel Daga. The indefatigable defensive midfielder has a knack for goals from a distance.

Local Football

The domestic league has improved over the years with the Nigeria Professional Football League now available for viewers online. Having the matches online has made the product more attractive for the fans to follow their respective clubs. Teams like Akwa United, Rivers, Enugu and Eyimba have all participated in CAF Inter club competitions.

Match Schedule (Group A)

19 February: Senegal - Nigeria, 19h00 Local time, Cairo International Stadium, Cairo

22 February: Nigeria – Egypt, 19h00 Local time, Cairo International Stadium, Cairo

25 February: Mozambique – Nigeria, 19h00 Local time, Cairo International Stadium, Cairo