2025 U20 Afcon: Three Senegal players Flying Eagles must watch out for in quarterfinal showdown

As Nigeria prepare to face Senegal in a mouthwatering 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final on Monday in Ismailia, the Flying Eagles will need to be wary of key threats in the Senegalese lineup. 

The defending champions boast several match-winners, and Nigeria must be at their tactical best to nullify them.

Here are three Senegalese players the Flying Eagles must keep an eye on.

Cheikh Thiam stands out as Senegal’s most dangerous attacker heading into the tie. 

The forward has already netted twice in the tournament, scoring in the opening 1-1 draw against the Central African Republic and again in the 2-0 win over DR Congo. 

His movement off the ball and ability to find space in tight areas make him a constant threat. 

Nigeria’s defenders will need to stay alert to deny him time and space, especially inside the box.

Another key figure is Ibrahima Dieng, who displayed his composure by converting a late penalty against DR Congo.

The striker offers a physical presence up front and is adept at holding up play to bring teammates into the game.

Dieng’s ability to draw fouls and create scoring chances from set-pieces adds another layer of danger that Nigeria must carefully manage.

In goal, Mouhamed Sissokho could be a decisive figure. The Senegalese goalkeeper kept his first clean sheet of the tournament in the win over DR Congo, making a tournament-high three saves in that match. 

His reflexes and command of the area provide assurance at the back for Senegal. Given Nigeria’s 10% conversion rate, the Flying Eagles will need to be clinical and precise to beat him.

While the Flying Eagles will rely on their unbeaten group form and historical edge in the quarter-finals, they must be wary of Senegal’s proven match-winners. 

With Thiam, Dieng, and Sissokho in form, the reigning champions are well equipped to threaten Nigeria’s semi-final ambitions.

Wale Adejumo

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