Nigeria’s Flying Eagles capped off their 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations campaign on Sunday night, edging host nation Egypt 4–1 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time to clinch the bronze medal at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.
The seven-time champions once again turned to their newfound penalty magic to rescue a podium finish—just as they had done in the quarter-final against defending champions Senegal.
This marks the fourth time Nigeria has finished third in U-20 AFCON history (after 1995, 2009, and 2013), and their 14th podium finish overall.
The result also ensured Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s men will head into the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile with a confidence boost.
Early Blow, Spirited Response
It was a nightmare start for the Flying Eagles as the home crowd erupted just three minutes into the match.
Egypt’s Osama Hassan capitalized on a pinpoint long ball from Abdullah Boustenji. After Mahmoud Hemida teed him up inside the box, Hassan smashed the ball past Ajia Yakub to give the hosts an early lead.
Stunned but not shaken, Nigeria gradually grew into the game. Clinton Jephta, Precious Benjamin, and Ezekiel Kpangu peppered Egypt’s backline with attacking intent, but goalkeeper Ahmed Waheb held firm.
Just before halftime, the Flying Eagles nearly equalized through Benjamin, whose one-on-one effort was bravely saved by Waheb.
Amole to the Rescue
Two minutes into the second half, Nigeria got their reward. Mohamed Saadoun’s lapse in concentration handed possession to Adamu Maigari, whose pressing won the ball deep in Egypt’s half.
The right-back fed Divine Oliseh, who laid it off for substitute Bidemi Amole to blast into the roof of the net—a strike that breathed new life into Nigeria’s attack.
Late Chaos, Penalty Calm
In stoppage time, Egypt nearly stole it. A wild goalmouth scramble saw the ball crash off the crossbar, then the post, before being cleared—sending the home crowd into gasps.
But no extra time was played, and the tie headed to penalties—where Nigeria had the psychological edge.
Substitute goalkeeper Rufai Abubakar, brought in specifically for shootouts, delivered for the team.
He saved efforts from Mohamed Atef and Ahmed Kabaka, while Emmanuel Chukwu, Israel Ayuma, Kparobo Arierhi, and Tahir Maigana coolly converted their kicks to seal a 4–1 win in the shootout.
Maigari’s Magic and Player Ratings
Adamu Maigari’s performance was exceptional—solid in defence, relentless in attack, and a key figure in Nigeria’s equalizer. It came as no surprise when he was named Man of the Match.
Player highlights include:
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Bidemi Amole: Game-changer and goalscorer.
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Divine Oliseh: Midfield spark plug, key to Nigeria’s equalizer.
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Ajia Yakub: Recovered well after early goal.
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Rufai Abubakar: The shootout savior.
South Africa Make History
Earlier in the evening, South Africa stunned Morocco 1–0 in the final to lift their first-ever U-20 AFCON title.
The historic win capped an impressive tournament run for the Amajita, who eliminated Nigeria in the semi-final.
Eyes on Chile
With their bronze medals secured, the Flying Eagles now shift their focus to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this year, backed by a strong squad, emerging stars, and nerves of steel from the spot.
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