… After penalty shootout win vs champions Senegal
The Flying Eagles yesterday qualified for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile after they beat defending champions Senegal 3-1 on penalties after scores even after extra time stood at 0-0.
They are now on course for a record-extending eighth U20 AFCON title.
In the semifinal, they will meet the winners of the quarterfinal between South Africa and DR Congo.
It was also a sweet revenge for the Junior Eagles after Senegal pipped them 1-0 in the opening group game of the 2023 edition of the same competition.
Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, the youngest player for the Flying Eagles at 15, was the hero for Nigeria after he saved two of the spot kicks by Senegal.
Precious Benjamin, Emmanuel Chukwu and Israel Ayuma converted their penalties for Nigeria.
The Flying Eagles thus became the first team to qualify for the semifinal of the 2025 U20 AFCON in Egypt.
Two years ago, also in Egypt, Nigeria reached the last four of the tournament.
This contest between two West African rivals was physically demanding even though the Flying Eagles looked the better team for most of the time.
Senegal pushed forward from the first whistle, but it was the Flying Eagles who carved out the first real chance after 13 minutes only to be denied by the brave Senegal goalkeeper.
Ten minutes later, the Segenal shot stopper denied the lively Divine Oliseh again.
Nigeria survived a scare just before the break, when a header by the captain of Senegal came off the post with goalkeeper Harcourt well beaten.
On 52 minutes, Sporting Lagos shot stopper Harcourt tipped to corner a powerful volley by Senegal, before Oliseh could only deliver a weak shot at goal after a flowing team move in the 75th minute.
Both teams had chances to make the difference in extra time, but it was not to be as the deadlock had to be decided on penalties.