U20 AFCON: Samson Unuanel Declares World Cup Qualification as Nigeria’s Most Significant Triumph

Seasoned Nigerian coach Samson Unuanel has lauded the Flying Eagles for their commendable performance at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, deeming their display as “perfect” despite the disappointment of not clinching an eighth continental title.

Aliyu Zubairu’s squad kicked off their tournament with a hard-fought victory over Tunisia, followed by draws against Morocco and Kenya that secured their progression into the knockout rounds.

In the quarter-finals, they triumphed over defending champions Senegal in a penalty shootout, securing a place in the semi-finals and qualifying for the FIFA U20 World Cup. However, their campaign came to an end in Ismailia with a defeat to South Africa in the semi-finals.

Despite criticism aimed at the Nigerian team for not overcoming South Africa’s Amajita—despite dominating possession—Unuanel, who has managed clubs like Enyimba, Sunshine Stars, and Kwara United, offered his own perspective.

He believes that qualifying for the World Cup in Chile signifies the team’s most significant achievement and contends that the players deserve accolades for their efforts.

“Numerous teams were vying for that spot, and they managed to reach the semi-finals, which is one of the best possible outcomes,” he remarked.

“What impressed me the most was the way the boys coordinated, worked cohesively, and displayed determination. They truly showed their desire to succeed.

“Additionally, this is among the youngest squads Nigeria has ever fielded in the U20 AFCON’s history, and I applaud them. They left everything on the pitch. Honestly, I would rate their performance as perfect, which surpasses just being good.”

Nigeria entered Egypt with hopes of bettering their third-place finish from the previous edition and were considered favourites following their elimination of the Junior Teranga Lions in the quarter-finals.

When asked if the team had fallen short of expectations, the former coach of the Nigeria Women’s national team replied: “Let me clarify. The primary goal was to qualify for the U20 AFCON, and we accomplished that.

“We competed in the African tournament and secured our ticket to the World Cup. That is a tremendous achievement for a developing team. We aren’t discussing the senior team, but the under-20s.

“They can’t just leap to the top immediately; progress is a gradual process. What I want everyone to grasp is that we have earned our World Cup spot. We will return home, make any necessary adjustments, and prepare for the World Cup to compete effectively.”

Unuanel on the Flying Eagles’ Main Challenge

Despite his high praise for the youth team, Unuanel—who is now coaching the elite division side Ayema D’adjarra in Benin Republic—acknowledged that the Flying Eagles’ primary issue lay in their goal-scoring capabilities.

The Nigeria U20 side managed just three goals across five matches, a considerable decline compared to past performances. They failed to find the net in three of their five games but achieved three clean sheets, conceding only two goals, which matched Morocco for the best defensive record among the semi-finalists.

He remarked: “The team’s main hurdle was their lack of scoring. They played well as a unit, transitioning smoothly from one phase to another without haste.

“Their approach wasn’t merely ‘kick and chase,’ which indicates they benefitted from solid coaching. The only issue remaining was converting chances into goals.

“It’s unfair to blame any team for struggling to score, as even top teams worldwide face this issue. I’m confident the coach will concentrate on improving their attacking play before heading to the World Cup.”

Key Advice Ahead of the Clash with Egypt

Nigeria’s next fixture is a third-place playoff against hosts Egypt on Sunday. This will mark the sixth encounter between the two nations at the U20 AFCON finals since 1993.

The Flying Eagles have secured victories in three of their previous match-ups, including group stage wins in 2009 and 2023, as well as the 2005 final. Egypt’s only triumph came during the 2013 semi-finals with a 2-0 scoreline, while their 2007 group match ended in a 1-1 draw.

As the team prepares for the showdown at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, coach Unuanel has shared some advice for the seven-time African champions.

“The most important thing is to keep their composure,” he advised.

“It’s wonderful that they have secured their World Cup ticket. Now, they must protect their image and ensure that Egypt does not come out on top.

“Regardless of the outcome, I have no regrets about this team. They have accomplished what they aimed to achieve.

“Let’s wait for the World Cup before we assess whether the coaching staff performed well or not. From my coaching perspective, I noticed a team that has been well-prepared.”