Nigeria’s Flying Eagles claimed third place at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, with a nail-biting penalty shootout victory over tournament hosts Egypt at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday night.
The high-stakes clash ended 1-1 after full-time, forcing a shootout where Nigeria triumphed 4-2. The win marks Nigeria’s fourth bronze medal finish in the competition’s history, adding to podium finishes in 1995, 2009, and 2013.
Egypt took the lead early in the match, striking within the first three minutes. A long pass from Abdullah Boustenji found Mahmoud Hemida, who flicked it on for Omar Hassan to rifle into the top corner, leaving Nigeria’s goalkeeper Ajia Yakub rooted.
The early setback ignited a spirited response from the Flying Eagles. Led by Clinton Jephta, Precious Benjamin, Sulyman Alabi, and Ezekiel Kpangu, the Nigerian attack relentlessly tested the Egyptian defence.
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Their efforts were rewarded shortly after halftime. Right-back Adamu Maigari intercepted the ball from Mohamed Saadoun and released Divine Oliseh, who assisted substitute Bidemi Amole to calmly slot home the equalizer.
Both sides had chances to seal the win in regulation. Nigeria’s Oliseh, Alabi, and substitute Tahir Maigana saw efforts denied by Egypt’s stellar goalkeeper Ahmed Waheb. In the dying moments, a wild scramble in Nigeria’s box nearly led to a winner for Egypt, but the ball bounced off the bar and upright before being cleared.
In the decisive shootout, Nigeria was flawless. Emmanuel Chukwu, Israel Ayuma, Kparobo Arierhi, and Tahir Maigana all converted. Meanwhile, substitute goalkeeper Rufai Abubakar was the standout, saving two of Egypt’s three penalties to secure the bronze.
The result reinforces Nigeria’s legacy in the U-20 AFCON, where they’ve won a record seven titles and consistently remained contenders.
NAN
