The Flying Eagles of Nigeria will square off against defending champions Senegal on Monday in the quarterfinal of the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
It will be a battle between the two second-place teams of Group B and Group C. Nigeria finished with five points from Group B after beating Tunisia and drawing against Morocco and Kenya.
Meanwhile, Senegal needed to beat DR Congo 2-0 in their final group game－ after drawing against Central African Republic and losing to Ghana in their first two games－ to get a quarterfinal ticket.
HIGHLIGHTS: 2-0
Senegal step up with a solid performance to claim all three points.#TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 | #SENRDC pic.twitter.com/lXTt4SMMUa
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 8, 2025
Senegal have been doing very well on the continent in recent years, so it promises to be an interesting battle for the two West African giants.
Ahead of the game, Soccernet.ng highlights five Senegalese young stars who could make the difference on Monday.
Ibrahim Dieng
Ibrahim Dieng is the point man for Senegal. He scored the winning goal against DR Congo, which confirmed their place in the quarterfinals of the competition. The youngster is quick and packs a good shot. The Flying Eagles will have to limit his breathing space to prevent him from wreaking havoc.
Cheikh Tidiane Thiam
Man of the Match: Cheikh Thiam.
A composed and effective performance from Senegal’s key man earns him man of the match.@Football2gether | #SENCTA | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/YTTHOLaf6S
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 2, 2025
Cheikh Tidiane Thiam is the captain of the team and operates primarily from midfield. He is Senegal's highest goalscorer in this tournament with two goals. The Oslo Football Academy player is strong on the ball and can be a very physical customer.
A delight on the pitch and a key figure in Senegal's journey.
You better keep an eye on Cheikh Tidiane Thiam. @Football2gether | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/WzFi0ONYZj
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 9, 2025
After scoring twice in three group games, Tidiane Thiam will have wind in his sails. Hence, the Flying Eagles will have to limit his effect on the game.
Mouhamed Sissokho
Mohamed Sissokho has been quite decent in between the sticks for Senegal. If not for him, Senegal may not have reached the quarterfinals of the tournament. The Flying Eagles will have to be really clinical if they want to get past Sissokho in Senegal's goal.
Clayton Diandy
Clayton Diandy is another danger man for Senegal. He is one to watch for Nigeria because he won a penalty for the Young Teranga Lions in the last game against DR Congo.
The Flying Eagles already showed that they can bleed as they conceded a penalty in the last game against Kenya. Coach Aliyu Zubairu's lads will have to be careful.
Omar Sarr
Omar Sarr did not play Senegal's first game and got nine minutes of action in the second game against Ghana. However, he played the third game against DR Congo and put on a nice show. His work rate was impressive, he had three interceptions and two clearances. He will likely start against Nigeria, and he is expected to pose an issue for Nigeria in the middle of the park.
