Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have arrived in Ismailia ahead of their crucial quarter-final match against defending champions Senegal at the CAF U20 Cup of Nations.
The match is set for Monday at the Suez Canal Stadium, with both teams eyeing a spot in the semi-finals.
The Flying Eagles secured their place in the knockout stages despite a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Kenya’s Rising Stars in their final Group B match on Wednesday.
The result left Nigeria second in the group with five points, just two behind leaders Morocco, who triumphed 3-1 over Tunisia in the other group match.
Flying Eagles striker Kparobo Arierhi. Photo Credit: X
In the quarter-finals, Nigeria will face Senegal, who secured their own spot in the knockout rounds with a 2-0 victory over DR Congo on Thursday evening.
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Despite finishing level on points with DR Congo, Senegal advanced as Group C runners-up, courtesy of a superior goal difference. Early goals from Cheikh Thiam and Ibrahima Dieng’s late penalty saw the Young Teranga Lions edge through to the next stage.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have a proud history at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, reaching the quarter-finals in 10 of their last 12 appearances.
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They remain unbeaten in Egypt, but with only three goals scored in three group matches, their attacking sharpness will be crucial as they prepare for the challenge posed by Senegal.
The match on Monday will take place at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, where the Flying Eagles will need to bring their best performance to secure a spot in the semi-finals and place in the FIFA U20 World Cup.
