Nigerian Flying Eagles Set for U-20 AFCON Quarterfinal in Ismailia, Egypt

Flying Eagles of Nigeria arrived in Ismailia, Egypt on Thursday, 8 May 2025, for    U-20 AFCON Quarterfinal showdown. After an underwhelming group phase, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria will now take on their quarterfinal opponents in Ismailia.

The seven-time champions, who have already secured their place in the quarterfinals, are set to face an opponent yet to be determined on Monday, 12 May 2025.

The Flying Eagles have their sights firmly set on both a record-extending eighth title and qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

It is a meeting between two of the most storied sides in the competition's history, but both arrive at this stage with question marks despite their pedigree.

Nigeria remains unbeaten after the group stage but their form has been patchy. The Flying Eagles opened with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Tunisia, then shared the spoils in a goalless draw with Morocco before being held 2-2 by an already eliminated Kenya.

That unexpected slip against Kenya after initially leading has raised doubts about the team’s defensive discipline and focus.

This quarter-final is a replica of the 2015 final which Nigeria won 1-0 in Dakar. But with both sides still finding their rhythm in Egypt, the game is wide open.

Senegal will be hoping to become the first team to successfully defend the U20 AFCON title since Ghana did it in 2011. Meanwhile, Nigeria is chasing an eighth crown and a return to continental dominance after a semi-final exit in 2023.

Kick-off is at 12:00 GMT on Monday at the Ismailia Stadium, and it promises to be a tactical chess match between the two sides with history, hunger and heavy expectations.