Nigeria’s dream of clinching the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations (AFCON) title is under serious threat following a bombshell revelation about Tunisia’s controversial entry into the tournament — a move that has triggered massive protests from reigning champions Senegal.
According to a report by Soccernet.ng, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is under fire for allegedly bypassing its own regulations by allowing Tunisia into the tournament through an unofficial email vote. This backdoor entry came after Côte d’Ivoire stepped down as host, leaving CAF scrambling to adjust the competition’s lineup.
Senegal’s Football Federation (FSF) has condemned the decision as a “clear violation” of fair play and tournament integrity, insisting that Tunisia neither qualified on merit nor earned an automatic host spot. Yet, the North African nation was abruptly added to Group B, joining football powerhouses Nigeria and Morocco, along with tournament newcomers Kenya.
In a scathing letter dated April 11, FSF warned that allowing Tunisia to participate undermines the entire competition and casts a shadow over the legitimacy of qualified teams. The letter emphasized that such irregularities could taint the tournament and even distort the qualification process for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, led by head coach Aliyu Zubairu, now find themselves in a perilously difficult group, facing elite opposition from Morocco and Tunisia. With only the top two teams from each group guaranteed to advance, the stakes have never been higher. The controversy could dramatically alter the course of the competition if legal challenges force CAF to reshuffle the groups or disqualify Tunisia.
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The Flying Eagles, the most successful team in U-20 AFCON history with seven titles, are intensifying preparations. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has approved an early departure for the team, allowing them to arrive in Egypt — the host nation — a full eight days before kickoff. The move is designed to give players time to acclimatize and sharpen their competitive edge.
Goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso, who plies his trade with Ukrainian side Chornomorets, is expected to play a key role in Nigeria’s title charge. The team departs Abuja for Egypt in the coming days, with the tournament running from April 27 to May 18.
CAF’s revised draw places Nigeria in Group B alongside Tunisia, Morocco, and Kenya in what many are calling the “Group of Death.” The top four teams from the tournament will earn coveted spots at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled from September 27 to October 19.
As pressure mounts and protests intensify, CAF is yet to release an official statement addressing the legality of Tunisia’s inclusion. For now, all eyes are on the pitch — and the courtroom — as Nigeria’s chances hang in the balance.
