Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have booked their place in the semi-finals of the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 after defeating defending champions Senegal 3-1 on penalties, following a goalless draw in regulation and extra time.
In a tightly contested quarter-final clash at the Suez Canal Stadium, the West African heavyweights renewed their fierce rivalry, but neither side could find the breakthrough across 120 minutes of end-to-end football.
Despite several chances created on both sides, the deadlock persisted until the shootout.
Nigeria, who advanced from the group stage unbeaten, showed remarkable composure during the penalty kicks.
Spot kicks from Precious Benjamin, Emmanuel Chukwu, and Israel Ayuma were all confidently dispatched, while goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt stepped up with a crucial save that helped tilt the contest in Nigeria’s favour.
Senegal faltered under pressure, with Pierre Dorival’s attempt saved, Mame Mor Faye’s effort denied, and Ousmane Konaté rattling the crossbar.
Seydi Diouck converted Senegal’s only successful penalty, but it was not enough to rescue the holders from elimination.
The victory marks Nigeria’s eighth consecutive quarter-final triumph in the U20 AFCON under the current tournament format, underscoring their consistency at this stage of the competition.
They now advance to the semi-finals with their eyes set on clinching an eighth continental title.
While the scoreline remained goalless in open play, the match was far from short of drama.
Nigeria’s Kparobo Arierhi and Divine Oliseh each tested Senegal goalkeeper Mouhamed Sissokho, while Senegal’s Cheikh Thiam struck the post with a powerful header late in the first half.
Fatigue became evident in extra time, but both sides continued to push for a winner. Nigeria’s tactical changes, including the introduction of Precious Benjamin and Rickson Mendos, added attacking drive.
https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-7532470883667401&output=html&h=414&adk=602265654&adf=19857760&w=414&abgtt=6&lmt=1747067479&num_ads=1&rafmt=1&armr=3&sem=mc&pwprc=4770774342&ad_type=text_image&format=414×414&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vanguardngr.com%2F2025%2F05%2Fafcon-u-20-nigerias-flying-eagles-defeat-senegal-on-penalties-to-reach-semi-finals%2F&fwr=1&pra=3&rh=262&rw=314&rpe=1&resp_fmts=3&sfro=1&wgl=1&fa=27&dt=1747071874848&bpp=1&bdt=1439&idt=1&shv=r20250508&mjsv=m202505070201&ptt=9&saldr=aa&abxe=1&cookie=ID%3D50408658810facb6%3AT%3D1740298163%3ART%3D1747071771%3AS%3DALNI_MaC_eO8ffnww6avJV5kFug8pUqvFQ&gpic=UID%3D0000103fea3ad64e%3AT%3D1740298163%3ART%3D1747071771%3AS%3DALNI_MZHzekIaMdBnx1GYcmE76ZNqjrYmA&eo_id_str=ID%3D75afe8af531cb881%3AT%3D1740298163%3ART%3D1747071771%3AS%3DAA-Afja9stR3AU6rh_L__V8H4TvC&prev_fmts=0x0%2C414x414&nras=3&correlator=5157726052510&frm=20&pv=1&u_tz=60&u_his=1&u_h=896&u_w=414&u_ah=896&u_aw=414&u_cd=32&u_sd=2&adx=0&ady=4123&biw=414&bih=721&scr_x=0&scr_y=0&eid=95358863%2C95358865%2C31092193%2C31092201%2C42532523%2C95333412%2C95354565%2C31092328%2C42533294&oid=2&pvsid=2174837701637891&tmod=399477494&nvt=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2F&fc=1408&brdim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C414%2C0%2C414%2C896%2C414%2C721&vis=1&rsz=%7C%7Cs%7C&abl=NS&fu=128&bc=31&bz=1&pgls=CAEaAzYuOA..&ifi=3&uci=a!3&btvi=2&fsb=1&dtd=18
Tahir Maigana came closest to breaking the deadlock with a curling effort that forced a diving save from Sissokho in the 106th minute, followed by another long-range strike from Ayuma moments later.
Ultimately, the match was decided by nerves and precision from the spot, where Nigeria showed greater discipline.
It was Senegal’s first loss in a knockout stage of the U20 AFCON since 2017, ending their campaign abruptly and dashing their hopes of a title defense.
Nigeria now turn their focus to the semi-finals as they continue their quest for another U20 AFCON crown, while Senegal bow out with regrets after a valiant campaign.