Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have secured their place at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals after a dramatic victory over defending champions Senegal in the CAF U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The match, held at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, ended goalless after 120 minutes of intense play, forcing a penalty shootout. Nigeria triumphed in the shootout, eliminating the reigning champions and earning one of Africa’s coveted World Cup slots.
Responding to a rallying call from Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi to play with renewed spirit and determination, the Flying Eagles showed resilience and tactical discipline throughout the encounter.
Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt emerged as the hero of the night. He made a crucial save from Ibrahima Dieng in the 54th minute and later denied two penalty kicks in the shootout. Senegal’s Ousmane Konate sealed their fate when he struck his spot-kick against the woodwork.
The match featured moments of danger for both sides. In the 27th minute, Harcourt spilled a cross, but Dieng failed to capitalize. The Lion Cubs came close again 15 minutes later, only to see Dieng’s header hit the post. Nigeria had their own chances in the final quarter of regulation time, with Divine Oliseh, Kparobo Arierhi, and substitute Precious Benjamin all missing opportunities.
Extra time saw further Nigerian pressure, with substitute Tahir Maigana forcing a save from Senegal keeper Mouhamed Sissokho and Israel Ayuma nearly scoring from a set piece.
In the shootout, Harcourt saved Senegal’s first kick from Pierre Diatta Dorival, and Precious Benjamin converted Nigeria’s opener. Further successful penalties from Emmanuel Chukwu and Israel Ayuma, combined with Senegal’s poor finishing, saw Nigeria win the shootout 3-1.
NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau praised the team for achieving their first goal—securing a World Cup ticket—and challenged them to now focus on lifting the trophy.
