Nigeria u20 vs Tunisia u20: Preview, Prediction, H2H, Lineup & Team News

Flying Eagles of Nigeria u20 vs Tunisia U20: Match Preview, Prediction, Possible Lineups, Head To Head Analysis, Team News and Key Players – AFCON 2025 | May 1st, 2025.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are set to begin their quest for an eighth U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title on Thursday, May 1, 2025, when they face Tunisia’s Junior Carthage Eagles at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.

This match marks the opening clash in Group B of the competition and could prove vital in setting the tone for both sides. Led by head coach Aliyu Zubairu, Nigeria will be aiming to start strong in a group that also features Morocco and Kenya.

Historical Context: Nigeria vs Tunisia – A Rivalry Revisited

Nigeria and Tunisia share a long-standing history at U20 level.
In 1985, Nigeria defeated Tunisia 3-2 on aggregate in the final to win their second U20 AFCON title.
More recently, Nigeria crushed Tunisia 4-0 in the 2023 third-place playoff.
Nigeria has consistently held the upper hand in this fixture, but Tunisia will be eager to rewrite the narrative in Cairo.

Road to Egypt 2025: How Both Teams Qualified

Nigeria

Topped the WAFU B U20 Championship held in Togo.
Recovered from an opening loss to Burkina Faso to beat Côte d’Ivoire and Niger.
Defeated Ghana 2-1 in the final to seal qualification.

Tunisia

Failed to qualify outright after finishing below Egypt and Morocco in North African qualifiers.
Qualified by default after original hosts Côte d’Ivoire withdrew from the tournament.
Arrive in Egypt as an unpredictable side with little recent form.

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Match Details

Fixture: Nigeria U20 vs Tunisia U20
Competition: U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Group B
Venue: 30 June Stadium, Cairo, Egypt
Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
Kickoff: 4 PM local time

Coach’s Comments

Head coach Aliyu Zubairu shared his optimism following a friendly win over Egypt:

“That result has provided a good impetus for us. It gives us much-needed confidence. But we won’t rest on our oars.”
“We will go for the maximum points against the Tunisians and take it one step at a time.”

Flying Eagles to Watch

Kparobo Arierhi: Top scorer at WAFU B. Scored in the friendly win over Egypt.
Clinton Jephta: Pacy winger with good dribbling and shooting technique.
Precious Benjamin: Germany-based midfielder known for his composure and range of passing.
Divine Oliseh: Creative attacking midfielder in good form, contending with Alabi Jojo for the starting role.

Nigeria’s Likely Starting XI (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Ebenezer Harcourt
Defenders:
- Adamu Maigari
- Daniel Bameyi (Captain)
- Emmanuel Chukwu
- Sunday Joseph
Midfielders:
- Auwal Ibrahim
- Caleb Ochedikwu
- Divine Oliseh
Forwards:
- Kparobo Arierhi
- Clinton Jephta
- Precious Benjamin

Note: Injuries and form may alter this starting XI. Haruna Aliyu’s late exclusion opened the door for Emmanuel Chukwu to slot into central defense.

Full Nigeria U20 Squad – Egypt 2025

Goalkeepers

Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos)
Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC)
Soliu Ajia Yakub (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia)

Defenders

Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors)
Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos)
Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United)
Emmanuel Chukwu (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany)
Chigozie Michael Ihejiofor (Katsina United)

Midfielders

Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Uljanik Pula, Croatia)
Israel Isaac Ayuma (NK Istra, Croatia)
Simon Cletus (Mavlon FC)
Sulaiman Alabi Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors)
Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United)
Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists)

Forwards

Precious Benjamin (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany)
Ezekiel Anthony Kpangu (Inspire FC)
Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy)
Clinton Jephta (Enyimba FC)
Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire FC)
Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC)
Theophilus Mendos Rickson (Niger Tornadoes)
Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway)
Matthew Kingsley (Kings FC)
Yushau Armiyau (Katsina United)

U20 AFCON 2025 Groups

Group A: Egypt, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Tanzania
Group B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya
Group C: Senegal, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ghana

Match Prediction: Who Will Win?

Nigeria are favorites based on preparation, experience, and cohesion.
Tunisia’s late entry may affect their rhythm, but their tactical discipline remains a threat.
Nigeria’s aggressive pressing and fast transitions could overwhelm the Tunisians.

Predicted Scoreline: Nigeria 2-0 or 3-1 Tunisia

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Conclusion

The Flying Eagles have the momentum and firepower to make a winning start. If Zubairu’s side maintains composure and intensity, they should secure all three points against a Tunisia side still finding its feet in this competition.