Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will battle defending champions Senegal in the quarter-finals of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, May 12, at the Suez Canal Stadium.
Nigeria, who finished second in Group B, were drawn to face the runners-up of Group C and Senegal secured that position with four points, setting up an exciting quarter-final clash against the Flying Eagles by defeating DR Congo 2-0 in their final group game.
Despite being considered one of the tournament favourites, Senegal had a sluggish start, playing out a 1-1 draw with the Central African Republic in their opening match before losing 1-0 to Ghana in their second group game.
Nonetheless, with qualification secured, the Lion Cubs of Teranga will now be determined to make another strong title run, aiming to replicate their 2023 triumph when they also lifted the U-20 AFCON trophy in Egypt.
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Meanwhile, the Flying Eagles led by head coach Aliyu Zubairu, already arrived in Ismailia this afternoon as they intensify preparations for the crucial quarter-final clash — one that could secure them an automatic ticket to the FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Chile from September 27 to October 19, 2025.
The last time Nigeria lifted the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations trophy was in 2015 — and it came at the expense of Senegal in the final. As they prepare to face the defending champions once again in Monday’s quarter-final clash, the Flying Eagles will be hoping to repeat history and reignite the winning spirit that saw them crowned champions a decade ago.
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