Switzerland-based Nigerian football coach, Adeyemi Anthony Adedeji, has commended the Nigeria U20 team following their nerve-wracking 3-1 penalty shootout victory over Senegal in the quarterfinals of the 2025 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, Sports247 reports.
The win not only secured the Flying Eagles a place in the tournament’s semi-finals but also booked their ticket to the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup.
In a chat with Sports247, Coach Adeyemi expressed admiration for the team’s evolution and composure during the high-stakes encounter, describing their performance as a notable improvement compared to previous matches.
“First and foremost, I want to say congratulations to the boys and the coaching for getting the needed result by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.
They did a fantastic job,” Adeyemi said.
“It was a better performance. They can string more passes together than in previous matches. They built their attack from the back and made life difficult for Senegal.”
He praised the team’s dominance and tactical approach, highlighting their ball control and pressing game. “They kept possession and allowed the ball to flow, making Senegal chase the game. The boys dominated,” he noted.
However, Adeyemi also pointed out areas requiring refinement ahead of their semi-final clash and the ultimate goal of lifting a record-extending eighth U20 AFCON title.
“In the next task of winning the cup, they need to improve on keeping possession. The boys must play more as a unit, keep the passes short, and take better advantage of the final third,” he emphasized.
He also underscored the importance of set-pieces, an area he believes the team can exploit more effectively.
“Every free kick and corner kick should be treated as a half-goal. We haven’t done enough with our dead-ball situations.”
Looking ahead, Adeyemi remains confident in the team’s potential, provided they maintain focus and teamwork.
“The team is on course. If they are less selfish, play as a team, keep their grit and stay focused, they have what it takes to win the trophy,” he concluded.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will face their next challenge in the semi-finals as they continue their quest for an eighth continental crown.
