Soccer
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will lock horns with defending champions Senegal in the quarter-finals of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations following the conclusion of Group C proceedings in Egypt, Soccernet.ng reports.
Senegal secured their place as Group C runners-up after a much-needed 2-0 win over DR Congo on Thursday evening.
Cheikh Thiam’s 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.
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 8, 2025
Ghana, meanwhile, claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over the Central African Republic to top the group with seven points. That result ensured they avoided a potential clash with eternal rivals Nigeria in the next round.
Instead, it is Senegal who will face the most successful team in U20 AFCON history. Nigeria, seven-time champions, advanced to the quarter-finals after finishing second in Group B with five points.
Aliyu Zubairu’s side played out a thrilling 2-2 draw against Kenya in their final group match – a game that also marked their 100th appearance in the competition.
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The Flying Eagles had earlier beaten Tunisia 1-0 and held Morocco to a goalless draw, before their latest outing in Cairo against the Rising Stars.
Kenya took an early lead through a Kevin Injehu penalty after a handball by Emmanuel Chukwu. Nigeria quickly responded with Kparobo Arierhi finishing from close range after sharp play by Simon Cletus.
Ebenezer Harcourt was instrumental in goal, keeping Nigeria level with two fine saves from Aldrine Kibet. William Gitama restored Kenya’s lead in the second half, only for Daniel Bameyi to equalise from the penalty spot four minutes later following a foul on Rickson Mendos.
The Flying Eagles have now reached the quarter-finals in ten of their last twelve appearances and remain unbeaten in Egypt.
However, with just three goals scored in three games, they will need to be sharper in attack when they face Senegal at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia on Monday.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
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