Flying Eagles Will Struggle Against Tactically Better North Africans At U20 AFCON – Loveday Omoruyi

As anticipation builds for the 2025 African U20 Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to kick off in Egypt, former Nigerian youth international Loveday Omoruyi has sounded a sobering warning for the Flying Eagles. According to Omoruyi, the Nigerian U20 side risks a difficult campaign against North African nations, who he believes are better prepared, more tactically disciplined, and technically sound.

Soccerbaba.com exclusively gathered that the Nigerian U20 national team, currently managed by Aliyu Zubairu of El-Kanemi Warriors FC, is set to travel to Egypt this weekend for the final phase of their preparation ahead of the prestigious youth football tournament, which also serves as qualifiers for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup. However, Omoruyi believes this final camp is coming too late and may not be enough to adequately ready the team for the challenges ahead.

The outspoken former defender, who earned his reputation at Julius Berger FC of Lagos during his playing days, voiced his concerns about the Flying Eagles’ readiness for the continental competition. He lamented the perennial issue of poor planning in Nigerian football and expressed fears that the team may struggle against the tactical brilliance and technical quality of North African powerhouses.

North African Teams Better Prepared, Omoruyi Insists

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have been drawn in a challenging group alongside Morocco, Tunisia, and Kenya — with Morocco and Tunisia widely regarded as two of the most tactically organized sides on the continent. Omoruyi highlighted that while Nigerian players might boast superior physical attributes, football at this level requires more than strength and stamina.

“We have to be brutally honest with ourselves,” Omoruyi began. “Tactically and technically, the North Africans have the edge. Yes, physically, our boys are probably stronger, but football isn’t won on physique alone. Your level of preparation and tactical discipline ultimately determine your success in tournaments like the U20 AFCON.”

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The former youth international stressed that North African teams typically adopt a long-term approach to preparation, often assembling their squads years in advance, engaging in international friendlies, and refining their systems of play well before major competitions.

“Don’t be surprised if you find out that teams like Morocco and Tunisia have been preparing for this U20 AFCON for over two years,” he continued. “Meanwhile, here in Nigeria, we were still deliberating on player invitations when other teams were already testing their squads against quality opposition.”

A Pattern of Late Preparations Haunting Nigerian Football

Omoruyi further criticized the consistent pattern of last-minute preparations that has plagued Nigerian national teams over the years, including the senior side, the Super Eagles. He expressed worry that the Flying Eagles could face a fate similar to that of the Super Eagles, who are currently battling qualification uncertainties in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

“The preparation culture in Nigerian football needs a total overhaul. We can’t continue with this fire brigade approach and expect to compete against well-organized sides,” Omoruyi declared. “Look at the Super Eagles’ situation — we’re now hoping other teams like South Africa slip up so we can sneak into the next round. It’s embarrassing and unacceptable for a footballing nation like Nigeria.”

Hopes Rest on Talent and Determination

Despite his concerns, Omoruyi acknowledged the natural talent and fighting spirit traditionally associated with Nigerian youth teams. He expressed hope that the Flying Eagles would rise to the occasion and defy the odds in Egypt, though he maintained that superior preparation and tactical awareness are non-negotiable factors for long-term success.

“The boys have talent, no doubt about that. But talent without proper planning, tactical understanding, and solid preparation is never enough. I sincerely hope they can pull through and make the nation proud,” Omoruyi concluded.

Conclusion

With just days to go before the Flying Eagles depart for Egypt, the Nigerian football community remains hopeful that the team can rally and deliver a memorable performance at the African U20 Cup of Nations. However, Loveday Omoruyi’s candid assessment serves as a timely reminder of the critical importance of strategic preparation, especially when facing tactically sophisticated opponents like Morocco and Tunisia.