With the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations (AFCON) fast approaching, Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, has emphasized the need for a high-intensity preparatory match against a North African side to fine-tune his team ahead of the tournament.

Nigeria finds itself in Group B, alongside two of Africa’s football powerhouses—Egypt and Morocco—making their road to glory a challenging one. Initially, the nine-time champions were set to engage Egypt in a two-legged friendly last month, but that fixture was scrapped after both nations were drawn together in the same group.

A Tactical Necessity or Just a Confidence Boost?

Zubairu believes that facing a North African team in a warm-up game would offer valuable insights into their style of play, helping the Flying Eagles adapt to their high-pressing, technically disciplined approach.

“We will still want to play against a North African team before the AFCON because this will prepare us for the tournament,” Zubairu told CAF Online.

This isn’t just a casual request—it’s a tactical necessity. North African teams are known for their possession-based football, aggressive pressing, and well-structured defense, which have historically troubled West African teams. A preparatory match against such opposition could give Nigeria an edge when the real battle begins.

Road to U-20 World Cup Qualification

The U-20 AFCON, hosted by Côte d’Ivoire from April 26 to May 18, carries even bigger stakes. The four semi-finalists will automatically book a ticket to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. Given Nigeria’s rich history in youth football, missing out on this global tournament would be unthinkable.

Will the NFF Deliver?

While Zubairu’s call for a North African test is logical and necessary, the big question is—will the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) make it happen? Proper preparation has often been a stumbling block for Nigeria’s youth teams in the past, and the importance of high-quality friendlies cannot be overstated.

With Egypt and Morocco standing in their way, the Flying Eagles must be battle-ready. Whether or not the NFF arranges this crucial test match could play a defining role in Nigeria’s success at the tournament.

What do you think? Should the Flying Eagles get that North African test match, and will it make a difference? Drop your thoughts below! ⚽🔥🇳🇬