Nigeria’s U-2O men’s team, the Flying Eagles, finally got to know their opponent in the quarterfinals of the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The Ladan Bosso-led side finished second behind the Young Teranga Lions of Senegal in Group A, following their emphatic 2-0 win over the Mambas of Mozambique on Saturday.
• Perfect record for Senegal
• Nigeria in second🚨 Group A final standings 🚨#TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/2cjO2Q6eKV
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) February 25, 2023
They will now face the Hippos of Uganda following the mandatory drawing of lots conducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Sunday night to determine the top two teams in Group B.
Over the weekend, the Ugandans played out a goalless stalemate against competition debutants South Sudan at the Suez Canal Stadium, while Congo also played out the same score line against Central African Republic at the Cairo International Stadium.
At the end of the matchday, Uganda and Congo were tied on points (five), goal difference (one), goals scored (four), and goals conceded (three).
🚨 GROUP 🅱️ FINAL STANDINGS 🚨 #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/IkkhR2OeDG
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 (@CAF_Online) February 26, 2023
According to CAF regulations, the rules state that “if there is a tie, the drawing of lots will be held to confirm the final standings”. Following the procedure, the Hippos were drawn first, placing them first in the group, with Congo in second.
Although South Sudan finished third in the group, their four points were enough to see them through to the next round as one of the best third-placed teams along with Tunisia, while the Central African Republic were eliminated as they finished bottom of Group B with one point.
The Flying Eagles, who will be without captain and key defender Daniel Bameyi following his second booking in the tournament in their last game against Mozambique, will lock horns with the Hippos of Uganda on Thursday, March 2nd, at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismaila at 6pm WAT as they look to book a spot in the semifinals and a guaranteed place in the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Indonesia.
