The Egypt Football Association has called off the planned U20 friendly matches against Nigeria’s Flying Eagles following the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations draw, which placed both teams in the same group.
Nigeria and Egypt were scheduled to face off in a two legged friendly in Cairo on February 25 and 27, but those plans have now been scrapped. The Flying Eagles will now focus on preparing for their AFCON Group B fixtures, where they will take on Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa.
With the tournament set to take place in Ivory Coast, the Nigeria Football Federation NFF is now working on arranging a replacement friendly against a non-group opponent. Meanwhile, foreign-based players invited to the cancelled friendlies have been instructed not to travel to Cairo.
The 2025 U20 AFCON will serve as a qualifying event for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile later this year, with the top four teams securing their spots. Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu has already called up 30 home-based players for a training camp as part of Nigeria’s preparation.
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Editorial
Egypt’s decision to cancel the friendlies against Nigeria raises questions about the strategic planning of African teams ahead of major tournaments. While it is understandable that neither side would want to give away tactical insights before facing each other in a competitive setting, the decision also highlights a common issue in African football last-minute changes disrupting crucial preparations.
For Nigeria, this cancellation is an inconvenience, but it should not derail the Flying Eagles’ plans. The focus should now be on securing an alternative friendly against a high quality opponent, as match fitness and real-game scenarios are crucial in preparing for a tough tournament. Facing Morocco and South Africa, both of whom have strong youth setups, will require the Flying Eagles to be at their best.
Beyond Nigeria, this situation reflects a broader challenge in African football. While European teams often stick to well structured preparatory plans, African federations sometimes allow fixture changes based on short-term decisions. Stability in preparation is key to long-term success, and consistent planning must be prioritized.
Now, the Flying Eagles must adapt, remain focused, and use this as motivation to prove themselves when they eventually meet Egypt in the group stage.
Did You Know?
- Nigeria has won the U20 AFCON a record seven times, making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
- Egypt last won the U20 AFCON in 2003 when they hosted the tournament.
- Morocco has never won the U20 AFCON, but they finished as runners-up in 1997.
- The 2025 U20 AFCON will be held in Ivory Coast, the same country that hosted the senior AFCON earlier this year.
- Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have produced several top footballers, including John Obi Mikel, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Victor Osimhen.
