Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured the bronze medal at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout win over host nation Egypt, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Egypt took an early lead in the 3rd minute through Osama Omar, putting pressure on Nigeria. But the Flying Eagles responded just after the break, with Bidemi Amole finishing clinically after a well-timed pass from Divine Oliseh.
Nigeria dominated much of the second half, with substitutes Tahir Maigana and Kparobo Arierhi injecting fresh momentum into the attack. Egypt came close to a late winner, but efforts from Mohamed El Sayed and Mohamed Haitham struck the woodwork in stoppage time.
The match went to penalties, where Nigeria remained composed. Emmanuel Chukwu, Ayuma, Arierhi, and Maigana all converted their spot-kicks, while Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt made two crucial saves to deny Mohamed Atef and Ahmed Kabaka.
The victory marks Nigeria’s fifth bronze medal and 14th podium finish in U-20 AFCON history, further cementing their status as one of Africa’s youth football powerhouses.
