Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have won the bronze medal at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after beating hosts Egypt on penalties.
The game ended 1-1 after normal time. But the Flying Eagles won 4-1 following the spot kicks.
The victory marked Nigeria’s fifth bronze medal and 14th top-three finish in U-20 AFCON history.
Flying Eagles secure bronze with Maigana on target. #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/AromN0MgrH
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 18, 2025
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Nigeria were hoping to finish strong after missing out on the final spot, however, Egypt’s Osama Omar struck early in the third minute to unsettle Aliyi Zubairu’s men.
FULL-TIME!
Nigeria edges it on spot-kicks! #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 | #NGAEGY pic.twitter.com/914LshuOC0
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 18, 2025
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FULL-TIME!
Nigeria edges it on spot-kicks! #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 | #NGAEGY pic.twitter.com/914LshuOC0
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 18, 2025
But Bidemi Amole restored parity for Nigeria shortly after the restart from a precise through ball from Divine Oliseh.
The Flying Eagles pushed for a winner, with substitute Tahir Maigana and Kparobo Arierhi adding energy in attack. Egypt, however, nearly snatched victory in stoppage time as Mohamed El Sayed struck the bar and Mohamed Haitham hit the post in a frantic finale.
Bronze secured. Pride unmatched. Naija dance all the way! #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/c1dAuZSTFm
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 18, 2025
With the game tied 1-1 after 90 minutes, penalties followed and Nigeria showed clinical precision from the spot, converting all four attempts through Emmanuel Chukwu, Ayuma, Arierhi, and Maigana.
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A composed, commanding presence.
Adamu Maijari is your Man of the Match. @Football2gether | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 | #NGAEGY pic.twitter.com/pe0w5dO5nW
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 18, 2025
Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was the hero on the night, stopping Egypt’s Mohamed Atef and Ahmed Kabaka’s efforts.