Nigeria's Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has declared his team's readiness to face South Africa with renewed determination in their upcoming semi-final match at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Following an impressive quarter-final victory over defending champions Senegal on Monday, the Nigerian squad now stands just two wins away from clinching a record-extending eighth continental title.

"We're now relaxed after securing qualification for the World Cup," Zubairu told reporters ahead of the clash scheduled to take place in Ismailia. "That weight is gone. The players can now focus fully on competing for the trophy."

The Flying Eagles' path to the semi-finals has showcased their potential to reclaim the prestigious youth tournament title. Their opponents, South Africa, also displayed remarkable resilience in their quarter-final match, requiring extra time to overcome Sierra Leone.

While acknowledging the quality of their opponents, Zubairu emphasized his team's ultimate ambition. "We respect South Africa, but we're focused on our own game," he stated. "The goal is the final. We've been here many times. The players know what's at stake."

With World Cup qualification already secured, the Nigerian team appears to be playing with greater freedom, setting their sights firmly on adding another continental trophy to their illustrious collection.

The winner of this semi-final will advance to face either Morocco or another qualifying team in the tournament final, as Africa's best young football talents continue to battle for continental supremacy in Egypt.