Nigeria’s Flying Eagles tonight qualified for the 2023 FIFA U20 in Indonesia in May after they pipped Uganda 1-0 in the quarterfinal of the U20 AFCON in Egypt.
On Monday, the seven-time champions will battle the winners between Gambia and South Sudan for a place in the final of the U20 AFCON.
An own goal by Uganda defender Ibrahim Juma after half an hour proved the difference between the two teams tonight.
The outstanding Ibrahim Mohammed ‘Beji’ fired at goal, his shot crashed against the underside of the post and then came off the unlucky Juma into the net.
The Hippos from Uganda carved out the biggest chance after 10 minutes, when from a corner they powered home a header which was however held by Flying Eagles captain and goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso.
In the second half, ‘Beji’ had two fine chances to increase Nigeria’s lead.
In the 49th minute, he was only denied by the goalkeeper after some great work.
The winger then forced the Uganda goalkeeper to push for a corner a pile driver in the 55th minute.
The East Africans chased the game as expected after the interval, but they lacked the finish to at least restore parity.
Flying Eagles starting XI vs Uganda (4-3-3)
Chijioke Aniagboso (Captain) – Solomon Agbalaka, Augustine Njoku, Abel Ogwuche, Benjamin Frederick – Onuche Ogbelu, Mohammed Aminu (Olamilekan Adams 70), Samson Lawal – Ibrahim Mohammed ‘Beji’ (Jonathan Nicholas 90), Francis Ayuba (Ahmed Abdullahi 84), Haliru Sarki (Jude Sunday 70)
