Storm Brews in U-20 AFCON as Tunisia’s Surprise Entry Rattles Nigeria’s Group
Drama Unfolds in U-20 AFCON as Tunisia’s Late Entry Triggers Senegalese Protest, Alters Nigeria’s Path
Just weeks before the kickoff of the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, controversy is already brewing — and Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are caught in the eye of the storm.
The seven-time champions, eyeing a return to continental glory after over a decade, have seen their Group B draw thrown into uncertainty after Tunisia was controversially added to the mix. Tunisia, who neither qualified through sporting merit nor hosted qualifiers, were hastily inserted into the group via an informal email vote following Côte d’Ivoire’s withdrawal as tournament hosts.
Senegal — the reigning U-20 AFCON champions — aren’t having it. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has accused CAF of bypassing its own regulations and undermining the spirit of fair competition. In a blistering letter dated April 11, FSF called the decision a “flagrant violation” and warned that Tunisia’s inclusion could displace more deserving teams from a potential FIFA U-20 World Cup spot.
Now, Group B reads: Nigeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and Kenya — a serious test for Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s young squad. With only the top two teams from each group advancing automatically and four World Cup spots on the line, the stakes are sky-high.
If Senegal’s protest leads to legal proceedings or CAF backtracking, the group’s structure — or even the tournament fixtures — could be reshuffled. That looming uncertainty casts a shadow over Nigeria’s preparations.
Still, the Flying Eagles are pressing on. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has greenlit an early training camp in Egypt — the tournament host — with the squad set to depart from Abuja well ahead of the April 27 kickoff. Coach Zubairu hopes the extended preparation time will fine-tune his team both mentally and physically for the task ahead.
As the countdown continues to May 18 — the final day of the tournament — all eyes will be on how CAF responds to Senegal’s challenge, and whether Nigeria’s U-20 title hopes will soar or stumble amid the controversy.
GROUP A: Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania
GROUP B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Morocco
GROUP C: Senegal, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ghana
The top four teams will qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, set to take place from September 27 to October 19.