- Flying Eagles defeat Senegal 3-1 in a penalty shootout
- They secure a spot in the U20 AFCON semifinals and qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile
- A solid win marks Nigeria's resurgence on the African stage
In a dramatic quarterfinal showdown at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Nigeria's Flying Eagles edged past defending champions Senegal after a tense penalty shootout. The match, which ended 0-0 after regular and extra time, saw Nigeria triumph 3-1 on penalties, booking their place in the AFCON U20 semifinals and earning a coveted ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
The Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia witnessed a thrilling display of resilience from both sides. Despite Senegal’s aggressive attacking play and Nigeria’s solid defensive structure, neither team could break the deadlock in 120 minutes of action.
The penalty shootout, however, was where Nigeria's Flying Eagles truly soared. Precious Benjamin of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim opened the scoring, followed by Clinton Emmanuel (Enyimba FC) and Israel Isaac Ayuma (NK Istra), who coolly converted their spot-kicks. Senegal, on the other hand, faltered under pressure as Pierre Dorival missed the opening penalty, Serigne Alassane Diouck managed to convert, but Mamadou Moustapha Faye and Ousmane Konaté failed to find the net, sealing their fate.
Nigeria's backline, marshaled by captain Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United) and Emmanuel Chukwu (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim), proved impenetrable, shutting down Senegal’s attacking threats, including star forward Cheikh Tidiane Thiam. In midfield, Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Uljanik Pula) and Sulaiman Alabi Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors) controlled the tempo, providing solid linkage to the attack.
With this victory, Nigeria not only advances to the U20 AFCON semifinals but also secures its spot in the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile. The Flying Eagles are now set to face the winner of the quarterfinal between Morocco and Sierra Leone in the semifinals. Coach Aliyu Zubairu expressed confidence in his squad, stating that their eyes are firmly set on lifting the trophy.
Senegal’s elimination marks an end to their title defense, as Nigeria’s resurgence on the continental stage reaffirms their dominance in youth football.
Flying Eagles add more European talent as Egypt 2025 U20 AFCON nears
Earlier, TheRadar reported that Nigeria's Flying Eagles extended invitations to seven Europe-based players for the final phase of camping.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the development on Thursday, April 10, showing the team’s intent to blend local grit with international experience in their quest for continental dominance.
