Ghana or Senegal: Who will Nigeria’s Flying Eagles face in the U20 AFCON quarterfinal?

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will take on defending champions Senegal in the quarter-final of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Footynaija.com reports.

Ghana, who topped Group C with seven points after edging the Central African Republic 1-0, ensured they avoided a tantalising early knockout meeting with West African rivals Nigeria.

That left Senegal to finish as runners-up in the group following a 2-0 win over DR Congo, setting up a mouthwatering tie with the Flying Eagles on Monday, May 12, at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia.

Three teams make it into the #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 quarter-finals. ✅

Checkout group C final standings. pic.twitter.com/QwgadommSG

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 8, 2025

The encounter will rekindle memories of the 2015 final, when Nigeria defeated Senegal to lift their seventh U20 AFCON title — the most in tournament history. With a place at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile up for grabs, both nations are aware of the weight this quarter-final carries.

Senegal had a sluggish start to the tournament, drawing 1-1 with Central African Republic and losing 1-0 to Ghana. But Cheikh Thiam and Ibrahima Dieng’s goals against DR Congo lifted them into the knockout phase on goal difference.

Nigeria, meanwhile, progressed from Group B unbeaten but have struggled in front of goal, netting just three times across their matches. Their dramatic 2-2 draw with Kenya — the nation’s 100th match at this level — secured second spot in the group after earlier results against Tunisia and Morocco.

Now based in Ismailia, the Nigerian squad has ramped up preparations as they eye a semi-final place and automatic qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup.