Nigeria’s Flying Eagles face a stern examination of their title credentials after drawing defending champions Senegal in the quarter-finals of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Senegal sealed their place atop Group C on Thursday with a clinical 2-0 win over DR Congo, setting up a blockbuster last-eight clash with Nigeria, who finished second in Group B after a tense 2-2 draw with Kenya.
The result left the Flying Eagles on five points, two behind pool leaders Morocco, who defeated Tunisia 3-1.
Monday’s showdown in Ismailia is not just a fight for a semi-final berth, it’s a ticket to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year.
Only the top four teams from this tournament will represent Africa on the global stage, adding another layer of pressure to an already charged fixture.
Aliyu Zubairu’s side have touched down in Ismailia ahead of what could be their toughest test yet. Nigeria, seven-time champions at this level, will lean on their pedigree, but they face a Senegalese outfit that has shown both vulnerability and strength throughout the group phase.
Kick-off is set for 1pm and with so much on the line, there’s no margin for error.
