The Flying Eagles of Nigeria sealed third place at the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 after a thrilling 4-1 penalty shootout victory over hosts Egypt on Sunday at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.
The match ended 1-1 in regulation time, with no extra time played. Nigeria’s resilience and composure under pressure saw them through as they claimed their fifth bronze medal in the tournament’s history.
Egypt made an early statement by scoring in the third minute through Osama Omar, who converted a cut-back from Mahmoud Labib. But Nigeria quickly settled into the game, dominating possession and launching a series of attacks.
Their equaliser came in the 47th minute when Divine Oliseh’s incisive pass unlocked Egypt’s defense, allowing Bidemi Amole to calmly finish past the goalkeeper.
Nigeria remained on the front foot, pushing for a winner, while Egypt threatened late in the game, hitting the crossbar and post in a dramatic closing spell.
In the ensuing penalty shootout, the Flying Eagles converted all their spot-kicks through Emmanuel Chukwu, Israel Ayuma, Kparobo Arierhi, and Tahir Maigana. Egypt, on the other hand, crumbled under pressure, with goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt—only 15 years old—saving two penalties in a standout performance.
The win earned Nigeria their 14th podium finish in the tournament and reinforced their dominance over host nations, having now beaten Egypt on home soil for a second straight edition.
What you should know
Nigeria’s third-place finish at the U-20 AFCON was secured by a calm display in penalties and the heroics of teenage goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, reinforcing the team’s legacy as a continental powerhouse in youth football.
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