Nigeria’s U-20 national football team, the Flying Eagles, have qualified for the FIFA The U-20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Indonesia later this year.
The team qualified after a hard-fought 1-0 win over fellow Ugandans in the second quarter-final match of the AFCON U-20 tournament in Egypt.
An unfortunate own goal by Uganda’s Ibrahim Juma in the 30th minute proved the difference as Ladan Bosso’s boys held a slim lead until the final whistle.
Although not regarded as an authority in African football, Uganda has been on the rise in recent years, reaching the final of the most recent AFCON U-20 tournament in Mauritania and finishing first in the group in Egypt. In that light, the Flying Eagles coach has promised not to underestimate them in Thursday’s quarter-final contest.
A tense 90 minutes
The match at the 22,000-capacity Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia got a note of caution by both teams.
However, the Flying Eagles almost fell behind 10 minutes into the game when Uganda, with their first corner kick, went close to the opening goal from Ivan Irinimbabazi’s header, which resulted in a good save by the Nigerian goalkeeper, and ensured the game remained even.
The Flying Eagles got a free kick moments later and despite being on target, there was no trouble or trouble for the Ugandan keeper.
The opening goal for Nigeria came on the half-hour mark when Ugandan Juba bundled the ball into his own net after Ibrahim Muhammad rattled the post with a thunderous shot and the ball deflected out to Juma to give the Flying Eagles a precious lead.
While both teams had a few chances after, the Flying Eagles were disciplined enough to maintain their slim lead until the final whistle.
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While still chasing a record eighth African title, the Flying Eagles’ qualification for the U-20 World Cup is a huge relief after the hard work and dedication of the team and coaching staff.
A great platform
Many great players have emerged from the tournament, including Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, and Paul Pogba, to name a few.
The U-20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Indonesia from May 20 to June 12, 2023.
Apart from the Flying Eagles of Nigeria, the Teranga Junior Lions also qualified for the Cadet World Cup.
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