Julius OkorieThis year’s U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has run into troubled waters following the sudden withdrawal of Ivory Coast from hosting duties.
Ivory Coast who hosted and won the last Nations Cup after a slim defeat of Nigeria in the final, were equally billed to host the U-20 AFCON scheduled for April 26 to May 18, 2025.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelUnfortunately, the country has opted out less than a month to the kickoff of the tournament forcing Confederation of African Football (CAF) in desperate search for a new host.
CAF are not the only ones stranded at this time, participating teams who have been training for the tournament are equally at a loss as to where the battle of wits and tactics will eventually take place.
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Flying Eagles of Nigeria who have been drawn in Group B against formidable opponents including former champions Egypt and Morocco, as well as South Africa, are burning the calories in Katsina in preparation for the tournament, with no idea as to where it will eventually take place.
The coach Aliyu Zubairu tutored side, are nonetheless remaining focused in preparation while the venue palaver is being sorted out.
In an official statement, the president of Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) , Yacine Idriss Diallo, announced, “By official letter, the Government notified the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) of the withdrawal of Côte d’Ivoire as the host country of the Under-20 African Cup of Nations.”
No reason has been given for the sudden withdrawal but with the Ivorian national team automatically disqualified, the country could also face heavy sanctions from CAF, including potential exclusion from the next two U-20 AFCON tournaments.
There are strong indications that CAF may turn to Morocco which has often savaged situations like this because of its excellent facilities.
The country is billed to host U-17 AFCON beginning this Sunday. With the necessary infrastructure in place and the Moroccan U-20 team already qualified, the North African nation could once again step in to save the situation.
Flying Eagles who are seven-time African Champions, are eyeing the eight title but will need to cross the hurdles posed by Egypt’s Young Pharaohs originally billed for April 30 at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo.
Their second group game was set for May 3 against Morocco’s Young Atlas Lions, before wrapping up Group B action against South Africa on May 6, all in Korhogo.
Aside from winning the tournament a record seven times, Nigeria has also finished as runners-up in the FIFA U-20 World Cup twice. The way forward for the tournament is expected to emerge soon.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
