Ibrahim Alhassan's 73rd minute goal against Niger on Friday evening proved to be the match winner as Nigeria booked their spot at this summer's FIFA U20 World Cup in Poland.

With Senegal assured of top spot in Group B, the Flying Eagles will face either Ghana or Mali in the semifinals of the U20 AFCON at Stade Général Seyni Kountché, Niamey on February 13.

Speaking at a press conference after yesterday's last Group A match against the hosts, Nigeria U20 coach Paul Aigbogun refused to disclose his preferred team.

''It was a very difficult match between two good teams and I would like to say to the Nigerien coach that this is the result.

''At this stage of the competition, I do not think we have a particular preference for a team we want to meet in the semifinals.

''We are in a competition where we take the opponents as they come.''

Against their next opponent, the Flying Eagles will be aiming to reach the final of the U20 AFCON for the tenth time.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : cafonline.com