2025 U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles Face Senegal in Quarter-Final Clas
ISMAILIA, EGYPT – Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will face a familiar foe in Senegal today as both sides square off in the quarter-finals of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia.
The match marks the fourth meeting between the West African rivals at the U-20 AFCON. Nigeria holds a slight edge with two wins to Senegal’s one in their previous encounters. Notably, the winner of each past fixture between the two has gone on to lift the trophy.
In 2015, Nigeria defeated Senegal 3-1 in the group stage and then edged them 1-0 in the final, thanks to a decisive 17th-minute goal by Bernard Bulbwa, securing the country’s seventh title. However, in 2023, Senegal claimed a 1-0 victory over Nigeria in their opening group match, with Souleymane Faye scoring the winner. Senegal went on to win the championship that year.
Today’s match carries high stakes, with both teams seeking to reassert regional dominance. Nigeria, runners-up in Group B, will be looking to extend their perfect quarter-final record at the U-20 AFCON, having won all seven matches played under the current knockout format.
Senegal, who finished second in Group C, are the defending champions. Prior to their 1-0 defeat to Ghana in the group stage, the Senegalese were unbeaten in their last eight matches against West African opposition — winning seven and drawing one.
Flying Eagles head coach, Ladan Bosso, has expressed confidence in his squad’s readiness, while acknowledging Senegal’s pedigree. “We respect Senegal’s quality, but we are not intimidated. We are prepared to fight for a semi-final spot,” Bosso said.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Nigerian time.
