Nigeria’s Under-20 national football team, the Flying Eagles, began their 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign on a bright note with an emphatic victory over Tunisia in their Group B opener. The match, which was played at a packed stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, ended in a 3-1 win for Nigeria, highlighting their attacking prowess and tactical discipline.
The Flying Eagles, under the tutelage of head coach Ladan Bosso, came into the tournament with high expectations, and their performance against Tunisia lived up to the billing. The Nigerian team displayed confidence, technical quality, and a well-organized midfield that dictated the tempo of the game from the opening whistle.
Bright Start for the Flying Eagles
From the start, the Flying Eagles showed intent, pressing high and controlling possession. The first breakthrough came in the 14th minute when forward Ibrahim Muhammad capitalized on a defensive error by the Tunisian backline. A misplaced clearance landed at his feet just outside the box, and with composure beyond his years, Muhammad slotted the ball calmly into the bottom corner to give Nigeria the lead.
The goal boosted the confidence of the Nigerian team, who continued to press forward in search of more goals. Tunisia, on the other hand, struggled to string passes together, often losing possession in dangerous areas. Nigeria’s midfield trio of Daniel Daga, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Samson Lawal dominated the central areas, cutting off supply to the Tunisian forwards and launching quick counterattacks.
Nigeria Doubles the Advantage
The Flying Eagles doubled their lead in the 31st minute through a beautifully worked team move. Right-back Augustine Njoku surged forward and delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Skipper Daniel Daga, who had made a late run into the area, met the ball with a powerful header that left the Tunisian goalkeeper rooted to the spot. The goal was a testament to Nigeria’s fluid transition play and the tactical discipline of their full-backs.
Tunisia responded by attempting to push higher up the pitch, but their efforts were largely thwarted by a resolute Nigerian defense marshaled by central defenders Abel Ogwuche and Benjamin Frederick. Despite a few half-chances, Tunisia failed to register a shot on target in the first half, and Nigeria went into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
Tunisia Fights Back
The second half saw Tunisia come out with renewed purpose. Their manager, Hedi Marzouki, made two key substitutions that added energy to the midfield and widened their attacking options. The changes bore fruit in the 57th minute when Tunisia pulled one back through a long-range effort by Anis Ben Slimane. His curling shot from 25 yards caught Nigerian goalkeeper Nathaniel Nwosu slightly off his line, and the ball nestled into the top corner.
The goal gave Tunisia a lifeline and momentarily shifted the momentum of the game. They pushed forward with more urgency, and the Nigerian defense had to remain alert to deal with the increased pressure. However, the Flying Eagles maintained their composure and used their pace on the flanks to exploit the spaces left behind by the Tunisian full-backs.
Sealing the Victory
Nigeria restored their two-goal cushion in the 76th minute with a blistering counterattack. Substitute Jude Sunday, who had only been on the pitch for five minutes, made an immediate impact. He picked up the ball on the left wing, cut inside, and delivered a low shot that deflected off a defender and wrong-footed the Tunisian goalkeeper, sealing the result at 3-1.
The final minutes of the game saw Nigeria manage the clock with maturity. They slowed down the tempo, maintained possession, and frustrated their opponents. The referee’s final whistle was met with jubilation from the Nigerian bench and supporters, who celebrated the perfect start to their U-20 AFCON campaign.
Coach Bosso Commends Team Effort
Speaking after the match, Coach Ladan Bosso praised his players for their discipline and commitment. “This was a great start, and I’m proud of the boys. They stuck to the game plan, showed character, and played with heart. But we still have more work to do in the coming matches,” he said.
Bosso also emphasized the importance of staying grounded and focused. “One victory does not win the tournament. We have to keep improving and take each match as it comes.”
Eyes on the Next Challenge
With this result, Nigeria sits atop Group B and looks forward to their next group-stage match against South Sudan. A win in that encounter would all but secure their qualification to the knockout stages of the tournament.
The victory against Tunisia has sent a strong message to other teams in the competition that Nigeria is a serious contender for the title. The blend of youth, pace, technical ability, and tactical awareness has made the Flying Eagles a team to watch in this year’s U-20 AFCON.
As the tournament progresses, Nigerian fans will be hoping their team can build on this solid foundation and replicate the successes of previous generations. With talents like Ibrahim Muhammad, Daniel Daga, and Jude Sunday showing early promise, the future looks bright for the Flying Eagles.
