The Flying Eagles of Nigeria defeated defending champions Senegal 3-1 via penalty shootout to qualify for the semi-final of the U-20 Nations Cup while also booking a place in the World Cup.
Nigeria became the first team to qualify for the U-20 World Cup with a gritty performance against the Young Teranga Lions.
The regulation time and extra time ended goalless, with both sides unable to break the deadlock.
Flying Eagles goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was the hero of the encounter, making a series of impressive saves in the regulation time before saving two penalties in the shootout.
Ousmane Konate blasted his kick against the sticks to hand victory to Nigeria.
After substitute Pierre Diatta Dorival’s first kick in the shootout was saved by Harcourt, Precious Benjamin scored. Emmanuel Chukwu and Israel Ayuma scored their efforts for Nigeria, while the Senegalese could only score one of their four kicks.
Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu was full of praise for his players following their stunning display in the encounter.
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, and emotionally. That’s the true development path, and I’m proud of every single one of them.”
Similarly, the President of NFF, Ibrahim Gusau, congratulated the players for qualifying for the World Cup.
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 take on the winner between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the semi-final.
It will be Nigeria’s 14th appearance in the competition since qualifying for the first time in 1983.
The 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup will be held in Chile from 27 September to 19 October 2025.
Uruguay are the defending champion of the competition, but they failed to qualify for the 2025 edition after they finished fifth in the South American U-20 Championship, becoming the eighth consecutive title holders to fail to qualify for the subsequent tournament.
