Flying Eagles media officer Sharif Abdullah has confirmed that Nigeria’s under-20 side has achieved its primary objective in Egypt—securing qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile—while already planning for the next phase by scouting potential semi-final opponents.
Abdullah emphasized that from the outset, the team’s goal at the U-20 AFCON was clear: book a place among the four semi-finalists, which guarantees a World Cup berth.
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“The aim of coming to Egypt has been achieved because this is why we’re in Egypt,” he stated. “The journey to book the World Cup ticket started in Lomé, and here we are heading to Chile.”
Rather than celebrating immediately, head coach Aliyu Zubairu remained at the stadium after Nigeria’s victory over Senegal to observe South Africa’s 1-0 extra-time win against DR Congo.
Thabang Mahlangu’s 109th-minute goal sealed their place in the semi-finals and also secured South Africa’s World Cup slot.
Abdullah confirmed, “I can authoritatively tell you that at the moment, Coach Aliyu Zubairu was at the stadium.
From the blast of the whistle, he was at the stadium. So I think every bit of the action between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Coach Aliyu Zubairu has witnessed the moment.”
With the scouting complete, the Flying Eagles will turn their attention to preparing detailed tactical plans for the semi-final stage.
Having lifted the weight of World Cup qualification off their shoulders, the squad can now focus on playing with freedom and pursuing the U-20 AFCON trophy.
