The matches are set for Wednesday, 26th February, and Friday, 28th February 2025, in Abidjan, as part of Nigeria’s build-up to the Africa U20 Cup of Nations.
The seven-time African champions have been in camp in Abuja under Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu, who initially invited 30 players for the now-cancelled Egypt friendlies.
Nigeria boasts a strong recent record against Côte d’Ivoire, having secured a 2-1 victory over them in the group stage of the WAFU B U20 Championship in Togo last October. That win propelled the Flying Eagles to the semi-finals, where they went on to retain their title.
Beyond recent encounters, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire share a rich footballing rivalry. Forty-two years ago, Nigeria edged Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 in a thrilling two-leg final of the Tessema Cup, with Dahiru Sadi’s stunning long-range strike in the return leg at the National Stadium, Lagos, sealing the triumph.
The Egypt friendlies were scrapped after both teams were drawn into Group B of the Africa U20 Cup of Nations, alongside Morocco and South Africa.
The tournament will run from 26th April to 18th May in Côte d’Ivoire, with the four semi-finalists earning tickets to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled for 27th September to 19th October.
Team Administrator Aliyu Lawal Ibrahim confirmed that the Flying Eagles will depart Abuja for Abidjan on Monday, 24th February.
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