Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are through to the semifinals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 and have clinched a place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, following a dramatic 3-1 penalty shootout victory over reigning champions Senegal at the Suez Canal Stadium on Monday.
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The fiercely contested quarter-final finished 0-0 after 120 minutes of intense football, with both sides showing flashes of attacking brilliance but ultimately unable to break the deadlock in regulation or extra time.
In the end, it was Nigeria’s composure and sharp execution from the penalty spot that proved decisive. Spot kicks from Precious Benjamin, Emmanuel Chukwu, and Israel Ayuma were confidently dispatched, while goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt made a crucial save and watched another effort bounce off the crossbar. Senegal’s only conversion came from Seydi Diouck, while Pierre Dorival was denied, Mame Mor Faye’s effort was saved, and Ousmane Konaté’s strike rattled the woodwork.
The result not only sends Nigeria into the semifinals but also confirms their return to the FIFA U-20 World Cup — their first qualification since 2019 and 15th appearance overall, extending their record as one of Africa’s most decorated youth teams.
Throughout the match, Nigeria looked dangerous, particularly through Kparobo Arierhi and Divine Oliseh, who both forced strong saves from Senegal goalkeeper Mouhamed Sissokho. Senegal had their moments as well, with Cheikh Thiam’s first-half header smashing against the upright in their closest attempt.
Tensions remained high as the game stretched into extra time, but Nigeria’s substitutions — notably Precious Benjamin and Rickson Mendos — brought fresh energy. Tahir Maigana nearly sealed it in the 106th minute with a curling effort, and Ayuma also tested Sissokho from range. Still, Senegal held on, forcing the game into the lottery of penalties.
Despite the fatigue, Nigeria’s mental strength shone through. The win marks the Flying Eagles’ eighth consecutive quarter-final victory at the U-20 AFCON under the current format — they have never been eliminated at this stage of the competition.
Reflecting on the momentous win, team captain Daniel Bameyi said: “We knew what was at stake — World Cup qualification and a step closer to the title. We stayed calm, followed our plan, and now we’re back where we belong, on the world stage.”
Nigeria will now prepare for their semifinal showdown as they continue their quest for a record-extending eighth U-20 AFCON title. The opponent will be confirmed after the completion of the other quarterfinal matches
