AFCON U-20: Flying Eagles Defeat Egypt on Penalties to Clinch Bronze
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles claimed the bronze medal at the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic 4-1 victory over hosts Egypt in a penalty shootout on Sunday.
The third-place playoff, held at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, ended 1-1 in regulation time before the match was settled by spot-kicks, with the Nigerians showing clinical composure.
Egypt stunned the visitors early with a third-minute opener from Osama Omar, who finished off a smart cut-back from Mahmoud Labib.
But Nigeria grew into the match, dominating possession and creating numerous chances through Clinton Jephta, Precious Benjamin, and Israel Ayuma.
Their breakthrough came just two minutes into the second half when Divine Oliseh’s incisive pass found Bidemi Amole, who calmly slotted home the equaliser.
Despite end-to-end action and near misses by Egypt’s Mohamed El Sayed and Mohamed Haitham in stoppage time, the score remained level after 90 minutes, with no provision for extra time.
In the ensuing penalty shootout, Nigeria converted all four of their attempts through Emmanuel Chukwu, Ayuma, Kparobo Arierhi, and Tahir Maigana.
The hero of the night was 15-year-old goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, who saved two of Egypt’s penalties from Mohamed Atef and Ahmed Kabaka, sealing the win for the Flying Eagles.
The victory marks Nigeria’s fifth bronze and 14th overall podium finish in U-20 AFCON history. It also continued their fine record against host nations, having now defeated Egypt on their home soil in successive U-20 AFCON tournaments.
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