Senegal Coach Aims to Make History Against Nigeria in U20 AFCON Quarterfinal
Senegal U20 head coach Serigne Saliou Dia says his team is ready to create new history as they face Nigeria in a crucial quarterfinal match at the ongoing U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday.
The winner of the match will not only reach the semi-finals but also qualify for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, making the clash even more important. The two West African rivals have a strong football history, and this match adds another chapter.
Nigeria defeated Senegal 1-0 in the 2015 U20 AFCON final in Dakar, and Coach Dia is hoping to change the story this time.
“This is a battle of football styles,” Dia told CAF. “Both teams play with intensity and pride. But now, we want to write our own version of history.”
Senegal had a tough start in the group stage but bounced back with a key win over DR Congo to reach the last eight. Dia praised his players for their determination.
“This team was shaped by tough times,” he said. “We needed those challenges to become stronger. We reflected, we regrouped, and we came back better.”
Speaking about the turning point, Dia added, “I saw the change in their eyes before the match against DR Congo. They were full of confidence and ready to fight.”
As the match approaches, Nigeria’s head coach Aliyu Zubairu will be hoping to repeat the 2015 success and take the Flying Eagles closer to another continental title and a place at the World Cup.
