Nigeria’s U20 football team, the Flying Eagles, secured third place at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, defeating hosts Egypt in a dramatic penalty shootout at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday night. This marks Nigeria’s fourth bronze medal in the tournament’s history, following successes in 1995, 2009, and 2013.
The match ended 1-1 after regulation time, with Egypt taking an early lead in the third minute through Osama Hassan, who rifled a shot into the net after a precise build-up involving Abdullah Boustenji and Mahmoud Hemida. Nigeria responded fiercely, with Clinton Jephta, Precious Benjamin, Sulyman Alabi, and Ezekiel Kpangu relentlessly pressing the Egyptian defense.
The Flying Eagles equalized just two minutes into the second half when Adamu Maigari dispossessed Mohamed Saadoun and set up substitute Divine Oliseh, who assisted Bidemi Amole for a powerful finish. Despite chances for Oliseh, Alabi, Israel Ayuma, and Tahir Maigana, Egypt’s goalkeeper Ahmed Waheb stood firm, forcing the match to penalties.In the shootout, Nigeria’s precision shone through. Emmanuel Chukwu, Israel Ayuma, Kparobo Arierhi, and Tahir Maigana converted their kicks, while substitute goalkeeper Rufai Abubakar saved two of Egypt’s three attempts, sealing Nigeria’s triumph.
The victory follows Nigeria’s penalty shootout win over Senegal in the quarter-finals, which secured their qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile. The Flying Eagles narrowly escaped defeat in stoppage time when a chaotic Egyptian attack struck the crossbar and post before going out.
This bronze medal adds to Nigeria’s storied legacy in the competition, where they have won a record seven titles.