Flying Eagles battle Uganda in U-20 AFCON quarter-final

Nigeria’s U-20 national football team the Flying Eagles will on Thursday face Uganda in the quarter-final of the 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON in Egypt.

Ladan Bosso’s finished second in Group A after defeating Mozambique 2-0 in their final group game on Saturday night to collect six points below the group leaders, Senegal who have 9 points.

Uganda secured first place in Group B level on five points with Congo before the drawing of lots in Cairo confirmed their place at the summit.

Jackson Mayanja’s team played South Sudan who qualified in third at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia on Sunday night.

The Cecafa representatives cancelled each other with South Sudan having the better of the chances.

“This tournament is a bit tricky but this is the game but we had to get a result because I also rested my key players because I trust every player,” Mayanja said.

“Since that we have qualified, now we’re planning for the next one so that we can qualify to the next stage.”

While Jackson Mayanja was fulfilling his post match media duties the drawing of lots was taking place in Cairo but the former El Masry man wasn’t too concerned about the draw.

“There’s nothing much I can say about the drawing of lots. I’m not a coach who has pressure,” he said.

“This is what I was looking at whether I am first or second but I have qualified that is the most important.

“My goal here in this tournament is to take this team to the World Cup.

“That’s why I give a chance to every player of mine to express himself, to express talent.”

The quarter-final fixture will be played at the Suez Canal Stadium, Ismailia on Thursday, March 2.

Victory in the game will see the Flying Eagles secure a place at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup to be hosted by Indonesia later in the year