The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup following a 3-1 penalty shootout victory over defending champions Senegal in the quarter-finals of the U-20 Nations Cup on Monday.
The regulation time and extra time ended goalless with both sides unable to break the deadlock.
Flying Eagles oalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt turned out to be the hero, punching over a vicious shot by the dangerous Ibrahima Dieng in the 54th minute, and then saving two kicks in the shootout before Ousmane Konate blasted his kick against the sticks to hand victory to the Nigeria.
Nigeria largely controlled proceedings in the last quarter-hour, with Divine Oliseh, Kparobo Arierhi and substitute Precious Benjamin all missing good chances.
In extra time, substitute Tahir Maigana rattled Senegal goalkeeper Mouhamed Sissokho with a great shot from distance, and Israel Ayuma’s effort from a free-kick on the left forced Sissokho to backtrack quickly and punch the ball over the bar.
After substitute Pierre Diatta Dorival’s first kick in the shootout was saved by Harcourt, and Precious Benjamin scored.
Emmanuel Chukwu, and Israel Ayuma scored their kicks for Nigeria while the Senegalese could only score one of their four kicks.
The team’s coach, Aliyu Zubairu was delighted to qualify for the U-20 World Cup while hailing his players for their focus.
He said “We trained for this moment. Every possible scenario was prepared for — including penalties. The boys stuck to the plan and executed it when it mattered the most. That’s what champions do.
“This is a big win for Nigeria, but we are not celebrating yet. We came here with a goal — to qualify for the World Cup and challenge for the title. One box is ticked, now we keep pushing.
“They’ve matured through every game — tactically, mentally, emotionally. That’s the true development path, and I’m proud of every single one of them.”
Similarly, President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, expressed delight that the Flying Eagles have picked a ticket to the World Cup finals.
He said: “The ticket to the World Cup was the first objective and we have achieved that. The second objective is to win the trophy, and after congratulating the team for their effort, I have reminded them that the country is waiting for them to bring the trophy back home.”
The Flying Eagles will not play the winner between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the semi-final also at the same venue.
The victory also made Nigeria the first African team to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later in the year.
It will be Nigeria’s 14th appearance in the competition since qualifying for the first time in 1983.
