Nigeria’s U-20 men’s team, the Flying Eagles, clinched a hard-earned bronze medal at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating host nation Egypt 4–1 on penalties following a 1–1 draw in regulation time at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday.
The encounter, filled with high intensity and drama, saw both teams battling for redemption after missing out on a place in the final. Nigeria’s triumph marks their fifth third-place finish and 14th podium placement in the tournament’s history.
Egypt made a quick statement, scoring just three minutes into the match. Osama Omar capitalised on a defensive mix-up in Nigeria’s box to convert Mahmoud Labib’s cut-back and give the hosts an early lead.
Despite the early blow, the Flying Eagles slowly gained control of the game. Nigeria’s midfield trio began to assert dominance, creating opportunities through Clinton Jephta, Precious Benjamin, and Israel Ayuma, all of whom tested Egyptian goalkeeper Abdel Monem Tamer with long-range efforts.
Their persistence finally paid off two minutes into the second half. Divine Oliseh delivered a precise through ball that cut open the Egyptian defence, allowing Bidemi Amole to calmly slot home the equaliser.
Nigeria pushed for a winner with substitute Tahir Maigana injecting pace and creativity, while Kparobo Arierhi’s movement kept the Egyptian defence unsettled. But Egypt nearly stole it in added time, as Mohamed El Sayed hit the crossbar and Mohamed Haitham struck the post.
With no extra time played in the third-place match, the tie proceeded to penalties.
Nigeria converted all four of their spot-kicks through Emmanuel Chukwu, Israel Ayuma, Kparobo Arierhi, and Tahir Maigana. Egyptian duo Mohamed Atef and Ahmed Kabaka were denied by Nigerian goalkeeper Rufai Abubakar, whose vital saves sealed the win.
The match also further highlighted 15-year-old sensation Ebenezer Harcourt, who continued to impress as one of the tournament’s standout talents.
While the result offered Nigeria consolation after a promising campaign, it ended in disappointment for Egypt, who suffered their first loss in a U-20 AFCON third-place match and conceded in the fixture for the first time.
The victory extended Nigeria’s solid record against host nations at youth level, recalling past successes over Egypt on home soil.
With the bronze medal secured, the Flying Eagles will now set their sights on the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
