Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have booked their ticket to the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Indonesia and advanced to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations after a convincing 1-0 win over Uganda on Thursday.
The decisive goal was scored by Ibrahim Jabaar in the first half when he headed in a cross from Wisdom Ubani to put Nigeria ahead.
The Flying Eagles, who have won the continental title five times, were in control of the game and had several opportunities to increase their lead, but were kept at bay by Uganda’s goalkeeper Jack Komakech and his stubborn defence.
Uganda, who were participating in their maiden U-20 AFCON, tried to level the score in the second half, but could not find a way past Nigeria’s captain Valentine Ozornwafor and his fellow defenders.
The victory means Nigeria have qualified for their 12th U-20 World Cup, while Uganda’s journey at the tournament came to a bitter end.