Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are through to the semi-finals at the 2023 U-20 AFCON following a 1-0 win over the Hippos of Uganda.
The seven-time champions also secured a place at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup after the hard-earned victory.
The Hippos were the better side in the opening minutes and came close to taking the lead twice.
Goalkeeper Chijoke Anigboso nearly fluffed a shot from distance but recovered to prevent the Ugandans from pouncing on the opportunity.
The Giant Brillars custodian produced a superb save to deny the Ugandans on 10 minutes.
The Flying Eagles grew into the game but failed to carve out any meaningful goal scoring chance.
Ladan Bosso’s side took the lead on the half hour mark with Ibrahim Juma diverting the ball into his own net after Ibrahim Muhammad’s hit the upright.
Muhammad came close to scoring Nigeria’s second five minutes after the break but barely missed target from inside the box.
The Ugandans troubled the Flying Eagles defence afterwards with Anigboso making a number of waves.
The defence led by Benjamin Frederick also did well to thwart the opposing attackers.
The West Africans will face the winner of the quarter-final tie between Gambia and South Sudan in the semi-final on Monday.
