While Nigeria’s Flying Eagles earned a hard-fought bronze medal and secured qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, their performance at the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt fell short of reclaiming the continental title for an eighth time.
This reporter had the rare opportunity to travel as part of Nigeria’s 16-member delegation, gaining unique insight into the team’s experience—on and off the pitch.
A Journey Begins
The journey started on Sunday, May 11, 2025, with a 1:00 p.m. flight from Abuja to Addis Ababa, followed by a connecting flight to Cairo, where we arrived at 2:00 a.m. local time. It was an exhausting arrival, with long delays at immigration and baggage claim before the team was finally transported to the five-star Jewel Hotel in New Cairo around 4:00 a.m.
Despite the fatigue, work began almost immediately. National team jerseys were distributed to each member of the delegation, and coverage of the tournament kicked off with the publication of the BSN Sports daily bulletin.
Later that day, the delegation traveled two hours to Ismailia’s Suez Canal Stadium, where the Flying Eagles faced Senegal in the quarterfinals. With support from Nigerian Embassy officials in the VIP lounge, the team played to a goalless draw before triumphing 3-1 in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Triumph and Heartbreak
That victory propelled Nigeria into the semifinals, where they faced South Africa. Despite a spirited performance, the Flying Eagles created more than ten scoring chances but couldn’t convert any but were edged out 1-0 by South Africa who took advantage of their slim chance.
To lift spirits following the disappointment, CAF’s Head of Security, Dr. Christian Emeruwa, organized a dinner cruise on the River Nile. The two-hour entertaining moment on River Nile was a welcome reprieve—complete with live entertainment, fine dining, and a cool evening breeze. It was an unforgettable moment of camaraderie for the Nigerian delegation.
A Glimpse of Egypt’s Sporting Excellence
Egypt’s sporting infrastructure left a lasting impression. From uninterrupted electricity to modern road networks and functional public transport, the country’s development was striking. Even more impressive were the sports facilities: natural grass football pitches, multipurpose sports halls, and private hotel-based training grounds—many maintained without government support.
Three hotels visited—Jewel Plaza, Guards Hotel, and Mercure Hotel—each featured full-sized, floodlit football fields that could host Nigeria professional league matches. It underscored Egypt’s commitment to sports as a viable business sector and cultural pillar.
In contrast, Nigeria continues to struggle with under-maintained national stadiums. Of particular concern is the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, which currently falls short of CAF and FIFA standards.
Reflections Beyond the Game
Though the Flying Eagles missed out on the title, their qualification for the U-20 World Cup and the experience gained are important milestones. For the media team and officials, it was also a chance to reflect on what’s possible—and what’s lacking—back home.
The takeaway is clear: Nigeria must rethink its approach to sports infrastructure, drawing inspiration from countries like Egypt, where public-private partnerships have helped elevate the sporting landscape.
Still, one thing was sorely missed—Nigerian cuisine. Over the course of eight days, many of us craved the familiar taste of spicy soups and traditional “swallow,” a reminder that nothing compares to home. We were tired of repeated macaroni, spaghetti, tea and fruits as the same set of different cuisines were served every day.
As the countdown to the U-20 World Cup begins, the Flying Eagles carry not just lessons from the pitch, but memories and experiences that could shape their future. The team needs fresh legs in the midfield and a total overhaul in the attack to be able to make a podium finish at the world cup in Chile.
