Nigeria’s Flying Eagles is confirmed to face the defending champions Senegal in the quarter-finals of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations following the conclusion of Group C proceedings in Egypt.
After a triumphant 2-0 win over DR Congo on Thursday evening, Senegal secured their place as Group C runners-up
Cheikh Thiam saved the day with his early opener, and Ibrahima Dieng’s late penalty propelled the Young Teranga Lions from third place into the knockout rounds on goal difference, having finished level on points with DR Congo.
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Meanwhile, the eternal rivals of Nigeria, Ghana, secured a 1-0 win over the Central African Republic to top the group with seven points. That result ensured they avoided a potential clash with seven-time champions in the next round.
Nigeria Under-20s is slated to lock horns with Senegal instead. Nigeria, seven-time champions, advanced to the quarter-finals after finishing second in Group B with five points.
Aliyu Zubairu’s team played to an exciting 2-2 draw against Kenya in their final group match, marking their 100th appearance in the competition.
The Flying Eagles previously secured a 1-0 victory over Tunisia and held Morocco to a goalless draw before this latest match in Cairo against the Rising Stars.
Kenya took an early lead with a penalty from Kevin Injehu, awarded after Emmanuel Chukwu handled the ball. Nigeria quickly equalised when Kparobo Arierhi scored from close range following sharp play from Simon Cletus.
Nigeria flying Eagles celebrates after win against Tunisia(photo credit: Getty images)
Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt made crucial saves, keeping Nigeria level with two outstanding stops from Aldrine Kibet. In the second half, William Gitama restored Kenya’s lead, but Daniel Bameyi equalised for Nigeria just four minutes later with a penalty awarded for a foul on Rickson Mendos.
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The Flying Eagles have now reached the quarter-finals in ten of their last twelve appearances and remain unbeaten in Egypt. However, having scored only three goals in three games, they will need to improve their attacking sharpness when they face Senegal at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia on Monday.
