Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have booked a place at the FIFA U20 World Cup after edging out defending champions Senegal in a tense quarter-final clash at the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt on Monday.
The goalless encounter at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia was ultimately decided via a penalty shootout, with Nigeria prevailing after a gritty, hard-fought battle.
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Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt emerged as the hero of the night, pulling off a crucial save from Ibrahima Dieng in the 54th minute and stopping two penalty kicks in the shootout. Senegal’s Ousmane Konate then sealed Nigeria’s victory when he struck his effort against the post.
The match began at a high tempo under the Ismailia sun, with Senegal creating the first real opportunity in the 27th minute after Harcourt dropped the ball, but Dieng failed to capitalise. The Lion Cubs went close again just before halftime, Dieng’s header striking the upright.
Nigeria came alive in the final stages of regular time, with Divine Oliseh, Kparobo Arierhi, and substitute Precious Benjamin all missing clear chances.
Extra time brought even more drama, as Tahir Maigana’s long-range effort forced a sharp save from Senegalese goalkeeper Mouhamed Sissokho. Moments later, Israel Ayuma’s curling free kick from the left flank required an acrobatic tip-over from Sissokho.
In the shootout, Harcourt denied substitute Pierre Diatta Dorival with the first kick, while Precious Benjamin calmly converted to put Nigeria ahead. Emmanuel Chukwu and Israel Ayuma added to the tally, with Senegal managing just one goal from four attempts.
The victory sends the Flying Eagles into the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of the other quarter-final between South Africa and DR Congo, also taking place in Ismailia.
NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau expressed his delight at the qualification, calling it a crucial milestone.
“The ticket to the World Cup was the first objective, and we have achieved that,” Gusau said. “The second objective is to win the trophy, and after congratulating the team for their effort, I reminded them that the country is waiting for them to bring the trophy back home.”
