Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are set to face Senegal today in a high-stakes quarter-final clash at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), taking place at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt.
This match marks the fourth time both countries will meet in the tournament’s history. Nigeria has won two of their past meetings, while Senegal claimed victory once. Interestingly, each time either side has won this fixture, they’ve gone on to lift the trophy.
In 2015, Nigeria beat Senegal twice—once in the group stage and again in the final, thanks to Bernard Bulbwa’s 17th-minute goal that sealed their seventh U-20 AFCON title. However, Senegal got their revenge in 2023, edging Nigeria 1-0 in their opening match before going on to win the tournament.
Both teams head into the match with something to prove. Nigeria finished second in Group B and remain unbeaten in U-20 AFCON quarter-final matches under the current format—winning all seven they’ve played. Their most recent win came against Uganda in 2023, a 1-0 victory that sent them to the semi-finals for the 16th time.
Senegal, defending champions and second in Group C, are determined to retain their title. Before losing 1-0 to Ghana in the group stage, they had gone eight matches unbeaten against West African opponents.
Nigeria's defence has mostly held firm, although they showed weakness during a 2-2 draw with Kenya in the group stage—conceding more than once in a match for the first time since 2015. Still, the team boasts standout performers like Emmanuel Chukwu, who impressed with the most touches and completed passes against Kenya.
Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, says his team understands the importance of today’s clash.
“This feels like a final,” Zubairu said during a training session in Ismailia. “The winner not only moves to the semi-finals but also secures a World Cup spot. It’s a big game with a lot of history, and we must stay focused and disciplined.”
While he respects Senegal, Zubairu is confident Nigeria can stop the reigning champions.
“We know they’re the defending champions, but Nigeria has been in that position before. This time, we’re the ones chasing glory.”
