Nigeria will battle defending champions Senegal in the quarter-finals of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations after the conclusion of Group C action in Egypt.
Senegal sealed their spot in the knockout round with a crucial 2-0 win over DR Congo on Thursday evening.
An early strike from Cheikh Thiam and a late penalty converted by Ibrahima Dieng lifted the Young Teranga Lions from third to second place on goal difference, edging out DR Congo despite finishing level on points.
Meanwhile, Ghana topped Group C with seven points following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Central African Republic.
That result saw the Black Satellites avoid a potentially tense clash with arch-rivals Nigeria in the next stage.
The Flying Eagles, unbeaten in Group B, finished second with five points behind Morocco and now face one of the tournament’s strongest sides in what promises to be a blockbuster quarterfinal showdown.
Head coach Aliyu Zubairu and his squad have settled into Ismailia and are sharpening preparations for Monday’s encounter.
The objective remains clear: secure a semifinal berth and with it, a place at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Nigeria reached the quarter-finals after a 2-2 draw against Kenya in their final group game a match that also marked the team’s 100th appearance in U-20 AFCON history.
Earlier, they earned a 1-0 win over Tunisia and held Morocco to a goalless stalemate, displaying grit and defensive solidity throughout the group stage.
Senegal, known for their compact structure and physical edge, will be no easy opposition. The Young Teranga Lions beat Nigeria 1-0 in their previous U-20 AFCON meeting two years ago and will aim to repeat that feat.
However, the Flying Eagles boast an impressive record, having reached the quarter-finals in 10 of their last 12 appearances and remain unbeaten so far in Egypt.
The eagerly anticipated all-West African clash will take place at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia on Monday, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. Nigerian time.
