THE Flying Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Indonesia in May and June after defeating Uganda 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ismailia, Egypt.
The Nigerian side benefited from Ronald Madoi’s own goal in the first half to advance to the semi-finals of the continental tournament and earn a ticket to the global championship.
A long punt from goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso set up Ibrahim Muhammad with a chance and the Nigeria forward took a shot that beat Uganda goalkeeper Abdu Magada.
The ball went past Magada onto the base of the upright and deflected off defender Madoi into an unguarded net midway into the first half for the all-important goal.
The Flying Eagles went into the half-time break with the slim advantage despite a disjointed display.
Ladan Bosso’s side did not improve much in the second half, but they comfortably held off the Hippos to earn a spot at the World Cup in Indonesia in May and June this year.
The Flying Eagles, who have won the U-20 AFCON a record seven times, are yet to clinch the FIFA U-20 World Cup title, having reached the final twice in 1989 and 2005.
Earlier today, Senegal secured the first U-20 AFCON semi-final spot with a 1-0 win over fellow West Africans Republic of Benin in Cairo.
Samba Diallo broke the deadlock for Senegal with a diving header in the second half to send them through to the World Cup.
Both Nigeria and Senegal were in Group A at the start of the tournament, with the latter winning their fixture 1-0.
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