Nigeria Reach U20 AFCON Semi-Finals After Penalty Win Over Senegal

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have qualified for the semi-finals of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations after beating Senegal 3-1 on penalties in a tense quarter-final clash.

The match ended 0-0 after 120 minutes of action, but Nigeria kept calm during the shootout to claim a well-deserved win.

Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was the hero, saving two Senegalese penalties, while another effort from Senegal hit the crossbar. Nigeria scored three of their penalties through Benjamin, Chukwu, and Ayuma to seal the victory.

With the result, Nigeria are now into the semi-finals and have also booked their place at the FIFA U20 World Cup later this year in Chile.

Flying Eagles Dominate But Couldn’t Score

Coach Aliyu Zubairu made two changes to the team that drew with Kenya in their last group game. Sulyman Olalekan Alabi and Bidemi Olalekan Amole came into the starting line-up.

Nigeria played their best football of the tournament in the first half, completely controlling the match. The Flying Eagles passed the ball well, moved quickly off the ball, and looked dangerous going forward.

Divine Oliseh and Kparobo Arierhi had chances but could not convert, while the defence, led by captain Daniel Bameyi and Emmanuel Cletus, stood firm at the back. Harcourt also made some smart saves to keep Senegal quiet.

Fatigue Sets In, Match Goes to Extra Time

In the second half, Nigeria began to tire, and Senegal grew into the game. Oliseh had another chance in the 75th minute but shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Zubairu brought on fresh legs, introducing Auwal Ibrahim, Rickson Mendos, and Precious Benjamin, but the match remained goalless after 90 minutes.

Extra time followed, with both sides creating chances. Benjamin shot over, Arierhi missed from distance, and Maigana forced a brilliant save from Senegal’s goalkeeper Sissokho.

Despite Nigeria’s pressure, the breakthrough didn’t come, and the match had to be decided on penalties.

Penalty Glory for Nigeria

In the shootout, Nigeria scored three times while Harcourt made two vital saves. With Senegal also missing another kick, Nigeria won 3-1 and advanced to the final four.

The Flying Eagles will now aim to reach the final and continue their strong tradition in youth football.