Egypt 2025: Flying Eagles beat Senegal to become first African country to qualify for 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup finals

Posted : 13 May 2025

Two-time runners-up Nigeria have once again booked their ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup finals after edging out defending champions Senegal from the CAF U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt on Monday.

In doing so, the Flying Eagles responded to the charge given by NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, on Saturday, urging the team to play with renewed spirit and character.

A hard-fought encounter at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia ended goalless even after extra time, and the match had to be decided by a penalty shootout in Egypt’s third-largest city.

Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt emerged as the hero, punching over a vicious shot by the dangerous Ibrahima Dieng in the 54th minute, and then saving two penalties in the shootout before Ousmane Konate blasted his kick against the woodwork to hand victory to the Flying Eagles.

An intense opening period in sunny Ismailia soon gave way to end-to-end action. The defending champions came close in the 27th minute when Harcourt inadvertently dropped the ball, but Dieng failed to capitalize. Fifteen minutes later, the Lion Cubs surged forward again, but Dieng’s header struck the upright.

Nigeria largely controlled proceedings in the final quarter-hour, with Divine Oliseh, Kparobo Arierhi, and substitute Precious Benjamin all missing good chances.

In extra time, substitute Tahir Maigana rattled Senegalese goalkeeper Mouhamed Sissokho with a powerful shot from distance, and Israel Ayuma’s curling free-kick from the left forced Sissokho to backtrack 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 converted his attempt, Nigeria gained the upper hand. Further goals by Emmanuel Chukwu and Israel Ayuma sealed the win, as Senegal managed to convert only one of their four kicks.

The victory sets up a clash between the Flying Eagles and South Africa.

Meanwhile, the President of the NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has expressed his delight that the Flying Eagles have secured a ticket to the World Cup finals.

"The ticket to the World Cup was our first objective, and we have achieved that.

"The second objective is to win the trophy. After congratulating the team for their effort, I reminded them that the country is counting on them to bring the trophy back home."

Egypt 2025: Flying Eagles beat Senegal to become first African country to qualify for 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup finals

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