Nigeria shatters Uganda's dream to seal World Cup ticket

Nigeria’s national U-20 team, Flying Eagles,  are through to the FIFA U-20 World Cup following a hard-fought win over Uganda.

Flying Eagles defeated the Ugandan Hippos 1-0 in the second quarter-final of the U-20AFCON on Thursday in Alexandria, Egypt.

An own goal from Uganda’s Ibrahim Juma in the first half proved to be the difference between the teams as Ladan Bosso’s men booked a ticket to the World Cup.

The second quarter-final of the day at the U-20 AFCON saw Uganda go head-to-head with Nigeria to determine who joins Senegal in the last four and to take one of the World Cup tickets.

Uganda’s Hippos were hoping to make it to the World Cup for the first time while Nigeria’s Flying Eagles looked to end what has been a terrible last 12 months for Nigerian football on the world stage.

The Hippos came into the game highly motivated and looked the most likely to find the breakthrough as they started strongly.

Uganda had the first real chance of the evening when Ivan Irinimbabazi directed a towering header off a corner at the Nigerian post but goalkeeper, Chijioke Aniagboso was alert to pull off a superb save.

Against the run of play, the Flying Eagles weathered the early storm and broke the deadlock after another Ugandan corner.

Ibrahim Muhammad did well to find space and time to run into the Ugandan box after the Hippos’ defence misjudged the flight of the ball.

He ignores his teammates and fires at goal, beating the Ugandan goalkeeper but his effort rattles the post before coming off Juma to roll into the empty net.

Nigeria defended well to hold on to go into the break with a narrow lead.

In the second half, it was another keenly contested affair between the two teams as Uganda looked for the elusive equaliser while Nigeria defended their lead.

However, neither side was able to take their chances in the second 45 despite making several changes.

In the end, it was Nigeria who held on for a narrow win that will see them join Senegal in the last four of the ongoing U-20 AFCON.

Also, Nigeria becomes the second African team after Senegal to book their ticket to the 2023 FIFA World Cup in Indonesia.