Nigeria’s Flying Eagles booked their place in the semi-finals of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations and secured qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup after edging Senegal 3-1 on penalties in a tense quarter-final clash on Monday.
After a goalless 120 minutes in Cairo, it was Sporting Lagos goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt who emerged the match-winner, saving two spot-kicks in the shootout and watching a third crash off the bar as Nigeria eliminated the defending champions.
Aliyu Zubairu’s side, who advanced from Group B behind Morocco, were pushed hard by a resolute Senegal team. Cheikh Thiam hit the post late in the first half and Harcourt was called into action again in the 53rd minute to keep the scores level.
Despite chances for Kparobo Arierhi and Divine Oliseh, Senegal’s Mouhamed Sissokho also stood firm.
When it came down to penalties, Nigeria held their nerve. Precious Benjamin, Israel Ayuma and Emmanuel Chukwu all converted, while Harcourt denied Pierre Dorival and Mame Mor Faye to seal the win.
The Flying Eagles remain unbeaten in Egypt and will now face South Africa in Thursday’s semi-final as they chase a record-extending eighth U-20 AFCON title.
