Nigeria have booked their spot in the semifinals of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt after defeating Senegal in a penalty shootout (0-0, 3-1 pens) on Monday.
Six-time U20 AFCON champions, the Flying Eagles have taken a major step toward a potential seventh title. They secured their semifinal ticket after a tense encounter against defending champions Senegal.
The match, which ended goalless after regulation and extra time, was decided by penalties. Nigeria converted three of their spot-kicks, while Senegal managed to score only once.
It was a high-intensity contest throughout. Nigeria dominated the first half but failed to break through Senegal’s well-organized defense. After the break, the Senegalese side responded with more offensive pressure and created several dangerous chances, but couldn’t find the net either.
Extra time brought no resolution, pushing the game to a penalty shootout, where Nigeria kept their cool to claim the win.
With this result, Nigeria advance to the semifinals and also secure qualification for the U20 World Cup, scheduled for September in Chile. The Flying Eagles will face South Africa, who beat DR Congo, in the next round.