Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has praised the mental strength and tactical discipline of his team after Nigeria sealed a place in the semifinals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 and booked a long-awaited return to the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Nigeria edged defending champions Senegal 3-1 on penalties in a tense quarter-final clash at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, after 120 minutes of goalless but fiercely competitive football.
The West Africans held their nerve from the spot, with expertly taken penalties and a standout performance by goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt in the shootout.
Speaking after the match, Coach Zubairu said:
“We trained for this moment. Every possible scenario was prepared for — including penalties. The boys stuck to the plan and executed it when it mattered the most. That’s what champions do.”
Zubairu, who led the team through an unbeaten group stage, commended the focus and unity in his squad, adding that the journey is far from over.
“This is a big win for Nigeria, but we are not celebrating yet. We came here with a goal — to qualify for the World Cup and challenge for the title. One box is ticked, now we keep pushing.”
The win not only keeps Nigeria’s AFCON title hopes alive but also marks a return to the FIFA U-20 World Cup — the first since 2019 — reaffirming the country’s pedigree in youth football.
Zubairu also praised his players’ growth during the tournament:
“They’ve matured through every game — tactically, mentally, emotionally. That’s the true development path, and I’m proud of every single one of them.”
Nigeria will now face a semifinal clash in the coming days as they look to add to their record seven U-20 AFCON titles.
