Nigeria’s U-20 men’s football team, the Flying Eagles, have booked their place in the semi-finals of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a dramatic 3-1 penalty shootout win over defending champions Senegal.
The quarter-final clash, played at the Suez Canal Stadium, ended goalless after 120 minutes of intense action, with both teams squandering several chances to win in regular and extra time.
Nigeria held their nerve in the shootout, with Precious Benjamin, Emmanuel Chukwu, and Israel Ayuma all converting their penalties. Meanwhile, Senegal faltered, missing three of their four spot-kicks — one saved, one off the crossbar, and one off target.
The victory marks Nigeria’s eighth consecutive win at the quarter-final stage of the U-20 AFCON under the current format. More importantly, it guarantees Nigeria one of Africa’s four tickets to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled for September 27 to October 19, 2025.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu praised the team’s calmness under pressure, saying, “We prepared for all scenarios, including penalties. I’m proud of the boys.”
With a strong semi-final record in this competition, Nigeria now eyes an eighth U-20 AFCON title as they continue their journey in Egypt.
