Nigeria’s U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, will face South Africa in the Semi-finals of the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, currently underway in Egypt.
The flying eagles booked their place after a dramatic quarter-final victory over defending champions Senegal on Monday.
The match ended goalless after regulation and extra time, leading to a penalty shootout.
Nigeria triumphed 3–1 in the shootout, becoming the first African team to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile this September.
Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was the star of the match, saving two penalties before Senegal’s Ousmane Konaté struck the post with their fourth attempt, sealing Nigeria’s place in the final four.
In the other semi-final pairing, hosts Egypt will face Morocco.
Egypt edged Ghana 5–4 on penalties after a thrilling 2–2 draw, while Morocco narrowly defeated Sierra Leone 1–0 in extra time.
South Africa joins Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco as Africa’s four representatives at the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup.
With seven titles, Nigeria are the most successful team in U-20 AFCON history.
The current squad now eyes an eighth continental title and a 14th World Cup appearance.
