Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are through to the semifinals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 and have also clinched the FIFA U-20 World Cup Ticket in Chile later this year, following a tension soaked 3-1 penalty shootout victory over reigning champions Senegal at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismaila on Monday.
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 executed, while goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt made crucial saves and watched another effort bounce off the crossbar.
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.
The fiercely contested quarter-final finished 0-0 after 120 minutes of intense football, with both sides showing flashes of attacking brilliance and great energy in the midfield, but ultimately unable to break the deadlock in regulation or extra time.
Nigeria will now shift focus to preparing for their semifinal showdown as they await their next opponent to be confirmed and also continue their quest for a record-extending eighth U-20 AFCON title.
