Saliou Dia: “Our players have found their soul again” – Senegal ready for Nigeria showdown
Senegal U20 coach Serigne Saliou Dia says his team has rediscovered its fighting spirit ahead of a high-stakes quarter-final clash with Nigeria at the TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025.
The defending champions face seven-time winners Nigeria on Monday in Ismailia in what promises to be one of the tournament's most gripping encounters.
Senegal's journey to the last eight has been anything but smooth. A 1-1 draw with the Central African Republic followed by a 1-0 defeat to Ghana had Les Lionceaux staring at the exit door. But a commanding 2-0 victory over DR Congo on the final day secured their place in the knockouts — and reignited belief.
“This group was born in adversity,” said Dia. “We needed to go through that storm to measure our strength. We questioned ourselves, we regrouped, and we came back stronger.”
The coach admitted his team had flaws but insisted those challenges served as fuel. “I saw the change in their eyes during the warm-up against DR Congo. There was no more doubt — only determination.”
A Quarter-Final with History
Senegal vs Nigeria is more than just a quarter-final. It’s a clash rich in history and emotion. The two sides met in the 2015 final in Dakar, which Nigeria won 1-0. The rivalry remains fierce despite the generational changes.
“This is a clash of football DNA,” said Dia. “Two teams built on intensity, pride, and direct play. But this time, we want to write our own version of the story.”
While Nigeria remain unbeaten, their group stage campaign raised questions. The Flying Eagles opened with a 1-0 win over Tunisia, then drew 0-0 with Morocco and surprisingly 2-2 against already-eliminated Kenya.
Senegal’s coach has responded to his own team’s inconsistent form with bold tactical decisions. Cheikh Tidiane Thiam has been moved deeper to stabilize midfield, and striker Ibrahima Dieng rediscovered his scoring touch against DR Congo.
But Dia believes the biggest shift has been psychological: “We worked a lot on the mental side. When the legs are tired, it’s the mind that must take over. I told them the DR Congo match was a Round of 16 game — and they won it like one.”
A Title to Defend, Not to Inherit
Senegal knows the burden of being champions. Every opponent sees them as a target. But Dia refuses to let that pressure weigh down his squad.
“The title belongs to no one — it must be earned again each time. This group is still being built. The AFCON is not just a showcase, it’s a mirror.”
Senegal’s preparation for the tournament included rigorous friendlies, including a test against DR Congo before the start of the finals. The goal, according to Dia, was to “build a team before chasing trophies.”
Kick-off is at 12:00 GMT on Monday at the Ismailia Stadium. The winner will advance to the semi-finals and secure qualification to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
“I’ve seen my players rise again,” Dia concluded. “I’ve seen the pride in their eyes. We are ready.”