Morocco Go Face Nigeria Again, Dem Nor Dey Laugh

Cairo, Egypt — Morocco and Nigeria go face each other again on Sunday in their second Group B match for the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations, kicking off at 21:00 local time (18:00 GMT). This match is a rematch of their thrilling semi-final encounter in 2005, where Nigeria won in penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw.

Both teams are coming into this clash full of momentum. Morocco managed a comeback victory over Kenya, winning 3-2 in their opening match, while Nigeria edged out Tunisia 1-0, thanks to Auwal Ibrahim’s first-half goal. Nigeria seeks its 57th win in their upcoming match, aiming to maintain their status as a dominant force in U20 football.

Benjamin Precious, a forward for the Flying Eagles, expressed confidence ahead of the game, stating, “They also won their first game, they are a very technical side, but we are stronger than that. We are sure of everything.” He highlighted the team’s unity and discipline, attributing their success to the coaching staff’s guidance.

Morocco enters this match with an impressive record, remaining unbeaten in open play at U20 AFCON finals for the last 10 matches, with 5 wins and 5 draws since their last defeat in 2003. Their last two appearances in group stages also show that they have never achieved two consecutive wins. They have a history of drawing after winning their opening matches, with last such draws in 2005 and 2021.

Ikouwem Udoh, a former captain of the Flying Eagles, emphasized the need for Nigeria to remain vigilant against Morocco. “I believe in the team, and I believe in what they can do. Our next game will be tougher,” he warned. He noted that Morocco will likely come prepared, having analyzed Nigeria’s bright performance against Tunisia.

The significance of this match extends beyond just points; it’s also critical for both teams aiming to secure their place in the knockout stages. For Nigeria, consistency is key as they’re competing in their 99th match in this tournament.

As both sides prepare for battle in Cairo, anticipation builds among fans. Nigeria aims to keep their winning momentum, while Morocco seeks to make history with their first win in consecutive group-stage matches. Touchdown of skill, determination, and strategy await as these two football powerhouses clash.