Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will face a big test in the quarter-finals of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations when they take on defending champions Senegal on Monday, May 12, in Ismailia, Egypt.
Senegal secured their place in the last eight after defeating DR Congo 2-0 in their final Group C game on Thursday.
Nigeria had earlier booked their quarter-final ticket on Wednesday with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Kenya in their last Group B match. The result placed them second in the group with five points, two behind group leaders Morocco, who beat Tunisia 3-1.
The upcoming clash between Nigeria and Senegal is a crucial one, as winners of the quarter-final games will not only advance to the semi-finals but also qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu and his squad have already arrived in Ismailia ahead of the match, which kicks off at 3 pm local time (1 pm Nigerian time). This will be the first quarter-final game of the tournament.
Nigeria has a rich history at the U-20 AFCON, winning the title seven times—in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2011, and 2015—and finishing as runners-up twice.
The Flying Eagles will now hope to overcome the tough Senegalese side and take one step closer to another continental title and a ticket to the world stage.
