Seven-time champions, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria, are set to take on defending champions Senegal in a highly anticipated quarter-final match at the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2025, on Monday at Ismailia Stadium.
Nigeria will face the defending champions with the winner securing a spot in the semi-finals and, importantly, qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year.
Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubair, has expressed confidence that his team is fully focused and mentally prepared for the crucial clash. In an interview, Zubair stressed that the team’s primary goal is to secure their World Cup qualification before thinking about winning the continental title.
“We are not looking to chase two goals at once,” Zubair explained. “Our main priority is securing the World Cup ticket. Once that’s accomplished, we’ll then shift our attention to the continental championship. We are gaining momentum, and I believe we are well-prepared now.”
Despite remaining unbeaten in the group stage, Nigeria’s campaign has faced criticism for inconsistency, especially following their 2-2 draw against an already eliminated Kenya. Zubair, however, remains optimistic.
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“People underestimated Kenya, thinking they were an easy side to beat,” he said. “But Kenya showed themselves to be strong opponents. Now, we are up against Senegal, and we will approach the match with the right mindset. I believe nothing will stop us, by God’s grace.”
This quarter-final clash will pit two of the competition’s most successful teams against each other, both of whom enter the match with question marks despite their pedigree.
Senegal, the 2023 champions, also experienced a mixed group stage—drawing with the Central African Republic, losing to Ghana, and securing their place in the quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over DR Congo. However, Zubair acknowledges Senegal’s stature but insists that Nigeria will not be intimidated.
“We respect all our opponents, including Senegal as the defending champions,” he stated. “But Nigeria has been in that position before. This time, we are coming to take them on and make our own path to the semi-finals.”
With seven U-20 AFCON titles, Nigeria remains the most successful team in the competition’s history. A victory on Monday would bring them one step closer to their eighth title and ensure their return to the global stage.
“We are confident,” Zubair declared. “Our goal is to reach the semi-finals—first, we need to win this match.”
Nigeria is aiming for an eighth U-20 AFCON crown and a return to continental dominance after their semi-final exit in 2023. Senegal, meanwhile, will be hoping to become the first team to defend their U-20 AFCON title since Ghana in 2011.
Kick-off is at 12:00 GMT on Monday at Ismailia Stadium, promising a tactical battle between two teams with rich history, strong ambition, and high expectations.
