Nigeria’s U20 men’s football team, the Flying Eagles, have qualified for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile after a dramatic 3-1 penalty shootout victory over defending champions Senegal in the quarterfinals of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Egypt.
The result not only secured a World Cup ticket but also set Nigeria on course for an unprecedented eighth U20 AFCON title. They will now face the winner of the South Africa vs DR Congo tie in the semifinal.
The match had all the hallmarks of a classic West African derby—intensity, physicality, and moments of individual brilliance. Senegal came out pressing early, but Nigeria created the better chances in the first half, with Divine Oliseh twice forcing saves from the Senegalese goalkeeper.
Just before the break, Senegal nearly took the lead when a header from their captain hit the post, leaving Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt stranded.
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Harcourt, just 15 years old and the youngest player on the squad, proved to be the game-changer. He pulled off several crucial saves during regulation and extra time, and then saved two Senegalese penalties in the shootout. His heroics earned him the title of penalty shootout hero.
Precious Benjamin, Emmanuel Chukwu, and Israel Ayuma all converted from the spot to give Nigeria a 3-1 edge after four rounds of penalties.
The win was also payback for the Flying Eagles, who had suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Senegal in the group stage of the 2023 U20 AFCON.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s side is the first team to book a place in the semifinals of this year’s tournament. The team reached the same stage two years ago—also in Egypt—and will be hoping to go at least one better this time.
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