U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles Pip Niger To Book Semis, World Cup Tickets

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles qualified for the semi-finals of the 2019 U-20 AFCON and also secured a spot at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland following their 1-0 win over hosts Niger in their last Group A match on Friday, reports Completesports.com.

The Paul Aigbogun’s team posted another lacklustre performance despite defeating the Junior Mena in the crucial last group match.

Adamu Alhassan scored the only goal of the encounter.

The Flying Eagles missed an opportunity to get an early goal when Nafizi Yahaya missed their only clear-cut chance of the first half in the fourth minute.

In the second half, the seven time winners of the competition continued their unimpressive display until the 51st minute when Mohammed Jamil’s header forced a brilliant save from the Nigerien goalkeeper.

Also Read: U-20 AFCON: Aigbogun Focuses On Nigeria Vs Niger After Draw Vs South Africa

The Flying Eagles broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute through Adamu Alhassan’s free-kick that beat the Niger goalkeeper to hand Aigbogun’s side their second win in the competition.

Nigeria finish top of Group A with seven points. South Africa who beat Burundi 1-0 in the other matchday-3 game of Group A are second and advance to the semi-finals and also with a spot at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup

The Amajita will clash with Group B winners Senegal in the semifinals.

The Flying Eagles will face the rummer up in Group B in the semi- final on the 13th of February.

Ghana and Mali occupy second and third spots in Group B and are both in contention for a second place finish having been tied on the same points.

By Johnny Edward