Flying Eagles midfielder Alabi Sulaiman has issued a strong statement of intent ahead of Nigeria's semifinal clash with South Africa at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, declaring that the team is determined to secure a record-extending eighth continental title.

Sulaiman, who played a pivotal role in Nigeria's quarter-final victory over Senegal on Monday, expressed his delight after the Flying Eagles advanced to the semifinals via a 3-1 penalty shootout win following a goalless draw after 120 minutes of play.

"I am very happy for the victory. It's a dream come true for me to qualify for the World Cup," Sulaiman said after the match. "At this point, we just want to continue to focus on the subsequent matches so that we can win the AFCON."

The young midfielder earned his first start of the tournament in the quarter-final, impressing head coach Aliyu Zubairu with his performance alongside Israel Ayuma and Divine Oliseh in the midfield trio that helped secure World Cup qualification for Nigeria.

Having achieved their primary objective of qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, the Flying Eagles have now set their sights on claiming the continental trophy, starting with overcoming South Africa's Amajitas in Thursday's semifinal encounter at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia.

The semifinal promises to be a challenging fixture for the Nigerian side as they face a South African team that has also shown impressive form throughout the tournament.

Nigeria remains the most successful team in the competition's history with seven titles and will be looking to extend their record with an eighth championship in Egypt.