By Victor Kanayo
As the ongoing U20 African Cup of Nations enters quarter-final stage on Thursday March 2, 2023, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have been announced as the winner of fair play award during the entire group round.
This was revealed by Technical Study Group of the tournament.
The technical group said the Flying Eagles, have shown professionalism, dedication, passion and discipline in the group stage of the 23rd edition of the biennial tournament.
Nigeria won the award despite losing their opening match to Senegal in Group A of the tournament.
Shortly after the match, the competition’s record holders with seven titles were seen congratulating their opponents and showing high sense of sportsmanship.
They rallied back to win the second match against hosts Egypt, courtesy of Solomon Agbalaka’s towering header.
The WAFU-B champions secured their second group victory with a resounding 2-0 success over Mozambique in Ismailia, to book a Thursday date with Uganda in the quarter-final.
Last eight battle – how teams secured quarter-final places
According to the organisers, the quarter-final games will be played between March 2 and 3, with eight nations aiming semi-final berth, which will also guaranteed 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Senegal will face Benin inside Cairo International Stadium at 4pm, local time.
Teranga Cubs have been a dominant force in the tournament so far, winning all three matches in Group A with striker, Pape Diop, leading the scorers’ chart with four goals.
Uganda versus Nigeria encounter will be at Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia as from 7pm local time.
The Hippos of Uganda topped their group with one win and two draws, while Nigeria finished second in their group with two wins and a loss. Both teams will be eager to secure their spot in the semi-final.
On Friday, The Gambia and South Sudan will clash at Haras El Hodoud Stadium in Alexandria.
The Gambia finished first in their group with three wins, while South Sudan qualified for the knockout stages, as one of the best third-placed teams.
The final fixture of the quarterfinals will see Congo take on Tunisia at Cairo International Stadium in Cairo.
Congo finished second in Group B with one win and two draws while Tunisia finished in Group C with one win and a draw.
