Nigeria, March 30 -- The CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 is set to kick off on Sunday, ushering in a new generation of African football talent.

However, one notable absentee will cast a shadow over the tournament; Nigeria, one of the most successful teams at this level, failed to qualify and will miss out on the action.

Nigeria's absence from the continental showpiece is a significant talking point for a nation that has won the FIFA U-17 World Cup a record five times.

The country last won the U-17 AFCON in 2007 and finished runners-up in 2013, when Kelechi Iheanacho was one of the standout performers.

Despite missing out, the tournament promises thrilling encounters, with 16 teams battling for the title and a ticke...