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Tag: U-20 AFCON

  • U-20 AFCON: S/Africa defeat Nigeria to reach final with Smith’s header

    U-20 AFCON: S/Africa defeat Nigeria to reach final with Smith’s header

    Nigeria on Thursday lost by a lone goal to South Africa in a tense semi-final clash at the Suez Canal Stadium in Egypt

    The result meant South Africa booked a place in the final of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Egypt 2025.

    A well-taken header by Tylon Smith in the 66th minute proved decisive in a fiercely contested match between two of Africa’s traditional football powerhouses.

    NAN reports that the result also ends the Flying Eagles’ hopes of winning a record-extending eighth U-20 AFCON title.

    Nigeria, dominant for large spells in the second half, were made to rue missed opportunities, particularly in the final moments.

    This was after South African goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe produced a string of saves to deny Emmanuel Chukwu and Israel Ayuma.

    The match began cautiously, with both sides probing without creating clear-cut chances.

    Nigeria’s Tahir Maigana and South Africa’s Kutlwano Letlhaku both had early efforts saved in a first half that ended goalless despite Nigeria’s superior attacking numbers.

    The breakthrough, however, came just after the hour mark.

    Neo Rapoo whipped in a corner from the right, and Smith rose highest to power home a header into the centre of the goal.

    It was Smith’s first of the tournament and arguably the most important yet for the Amajita.

    Nigeria responded with urgency, making double substitutions in the 65th minute to inject pace and fresh energy into the attack.

    Rickson Mendos and Bidemi Amole nearly made instant impacts, with both going close in a series of intense late assaults on the South African goal.

    Ayuma had two excellent chances to level, including a diving header that was brilliantly saved by Lowe.

    But South Africa’s resolute defending and composed midfield play saw them through, stretching their unbeaten run at the Suez Canal Stadium to four games.

    The win sees South Africa reach their second U-20 AFCON final, their first since 1997 when they finished as runners-up.

    For Nigeria, it marks a third consecutive semi-final defeat in the tournament, having previously fallen to Gambia (2023) and Mali (2019).

    South Africa’s run to the final has been built on solid defence and efficiency in front of goal.

    Thursday’s win also means they will head into the final with momentum, having now gone five matches unbeaten — their longest such streak in U-20 AFCON history.

    With qualification to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup already secured, the Amajita will now turn their attention to winning their first continental title.

  • U-20 AFCON: Nigeria defeat Senegal to reach semi-finals

    U-20 AFCON: Nigeria defeat Senegal to reach semi-finals

    Nigeria held their nerve to secure a place in the semi-finals of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, defeating defending champions Senegal 3-1 on penalties.

    NAN reports that this was after a goalless draw in regulation and extra time at the Suez Canal Stadium on Monday.

    The West African giants renewed their fierce rivalry in a tense quarter-final that saw both sides create scoring chances, but ultimately fail to break the deadlock in 120 minutes of pulsating action.

    The Flying Eagles, unbeaten in the group stages, maintained their composure in the shootout with spot kicks expertly converted by Precious Benjamin, Emmanuel Chukwu and Israel Ayuma.

    Senegal, by contrast, faltered under pressure — Pierre Dorival’s, effort was saved, while Mame Mor Faye’s was denied, and Ousmane Konaté crashed his attempt off the crossbar.

    Seydi Diouck netted Senegal’s only penalty, but it was not enough to prevent the reigning champions from exiting the tournament.

    The result marks Nigeria’s eighth successive quarter-final win at the U-20 AFCON under the current format.

    They now advance to the semi-finals, where they will look to maintain their record of never losing a semi-final tie in this competition.

    Despite the final scoreline, both sides had moments where they could have clinched victory in open play.

    Nigeria’s Kparobo Arierhi and Divine Oliseh each forced saves from Senegal keeper Mouhamed Sissokho, while Senegal’s Cheikh Thiam came agonisingly close in the 42nd minute with a header that rattled the post.

    As the match wore on, fatigue set in but the determination from both camps never wavered.

    Nigeria’s tactical substitutions — including the introduction of Precious Benjamin and Rickson Mendos — added attacking impetus late on.

    Senegal, on their part, reshuffled to find a breakthrough with the likes of Seydi Diouck and Mame Mor Faye.

    Extra time saw Nigeria press with renewed energy.

    Tahir Maigana’s curling strike in the 106th minute drew a fine stop from Sissokho, while Israel Ayuma’s long-range effort two minutes later also required intervention.

    Yet, despite Nigeria’s dominance in the closing stages, the deadlock remained.

    Nigeria’s goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, who had gone largely untested in the shootout, emerged as a quiet hero.

    His save against Mame Mor Faye’s spot kick proved pivotal in tilting the balance.

    Senegal, who came into the tie with a strong defensive record and ambitions to retain their crown, were ultimately undone by Nigeria’s discipline and precision in the decisive moments.

    The result also marked their first loss in a knockout match since 2017.

    In a post-match interview, Nigeria head coach Aliyu Zubairu praised his side’s resilience.

    “We prepared for all scenarios, including penalties.

    “I’m proud of the boys for executing under pressure,” he said.

    With this result, Nigeria also earned a spot in the U-20 World Cup, scheduled for Chile from Sept. 27 to Oct. 19.

    With this result, Nigeria move one step closer to a record-extending eighth U20 AFCON title, while Senegal will now reflect on what could have been after a hard-fought campaign.

    The victory also earned Nigeria a spot in the U-20 World Cup slated for Sept. 27 to Oct. 19. in Chile.

    The four semi-finalists from the on-going U-20 AFCON automatically qualifies to represent Africa at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

  • U-20 AFCON: Nigeria through to knockout stage after Kenya draw

    U-20 AFCON: Nigeria through to knockout stage after Kenya draw

    Nigeria booked their place in the quarter-finals of the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Kenya at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday.

    The result, coupled with Morocco’s 3-1 win over Tunisia in the simultaneous Group B fixture, means Nigeria finish second in the group with five points.

    While Kenya exit the tournament with just one point from three matches.

    Despite already being eliminated before kick-off, Kenya put up a spirited performance and twice took the lead, only to be pegged back each time by the more experienced Nigerians.

    Kevin Injehu gave the East Africans a dream start when he calmly slotted home a sixth-minute penalty.

    This was after Emmanuel Chukwu was penalised for a handball inside the box following a VAR review.

    Nigeria responded swiftly, and Kparobo Arierhi restored parity in the 13th minute with a composed finish from close range after latching onto Simon Cletus’ through ball.

    Both sides continued to create chances, and Kenya stunned the Nigerians again midway through the second half.

    This was when substitute William Gitama finished off a well-worked set-piece in the 68th minute to make it 2-1.

    But their joy was short-lived. Just five minutes later, captain Daniel Bameyi converted a penalty after Rickson Mendos was fouled in the area by Lawrence Ouma, drawing Nigeria level once more.

    Nigeria pushed for a winner in the closing stages, with Divine Oliseh and Tahir Maigana both going close, but Kenya’s defence held firm.

    The Flying Eagles who had kept two clean sheets in their previous games, were made to work harder than expected by a Kenyan side that showed attacking intent throughout the match.

    Kenya’s exit is confirmed after picking up only one point from three games, despite scoring in all three matches.

    With the group stage now concluded, Morocco top Group B with seven points, followed by Nigeria (5), Tunisia (3), and Kenya (1).

    Nigeria will now shift focus to the quarter-finals, where they will face a yet-to-be-confirmed opponent from another group.

    Group B Final Standings

    Pos. Team     MP     W

    1    Morocco   3       2

    2   Nigeria      3        1

    3   Tunisia      3        1

    4.  Kenya        3       0

  • U-20 AFCON: Nigeria battle Morocco to goalless draw

    U-20 AFCON: Nigeria battle Morocco to goalless draw

    The Flying Eagles of Nigeria were held to a goalless draw by Morocco in their second Group B match in the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

    NAN eports that the tightly contested clash took place on Sunday at the June 30 Air Defence Stadium in Cairo.

    Clear-cut chances were few in the cagey affair.

    The Flying Eagles controlled proceedings in the first half but managed only one shot on target.

    Morocco dominated possession in the second half but failed to pose any serious threat to Nigeria’s goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.

    With the result, Morocco remain at the top of the group on goal difference, having accrued the same number of points as Nigeria (four).

    Tunisia, who earlier defeated Kenya 3-1 in the group’s other fixture, are in third place with three points.

    The Flying Eagles will face Kenya in their final Group B match on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

    The top four teams from the tournament will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled to take place from Sept. 27 to Oct. 19.

  • U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles coach unveils 24-man squad

    U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles coach unveils 24-man squad

    Head coach of U-20 national team, Flying Eagles, Aliy Zubairu, has unveiled a 24-man squad for the upcoming U-20 AFCON in Egypt.

    The 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will take place from April 27 to May 18.

    Zubairu named first-choice goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt, defender and captain Daniel Bameyi, midfielder Sulaiman Alabi and forward Kparobo Arierhi in the squad.

    The squad is a blend of home based and foreign players who have intensified training in Abuja ahead of the tournament.

    Some of the top foreign based players invited include; Emmanuel Chukwu, Precious Benjamin all of German outfit TSG Hoffenheim and Kparobo Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway).

    The Flying Eagles, who are seven-time African champions and two-time FIFA Under-20 World Cup runners-up, will depart Nigeria on Sunday for Cairo in a bid to clinch an eighth continental title.

    The team is scheduled to play series of warm-up matches in Egypt before their group opener Tunisia 0n May 1.

    They will then face Morocco on May 4, followed by a clash against Kenya on May 7 to wrap up the group games.

    NAN reports that the top four teams from the tournament will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile slated for Sept. 27 to Oct. 19.

    Full Squad, Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC); Soliu Ajia Yakub (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia)

    Defenders: Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United).

    Others are; Emmanuel Chukwu (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Chigozie Michael Ihejiofor (Katsina United).

    Midfielders: Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Uljanik Pula, Croatia); Israel Isaac Ayuma (NK Istra, Croatia); Simon Cletus (Mavlon FC).

    Others are;  Sulaiman Alabi (El-Kanemi Warriors); Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United); Shafiu Duguri (Wikki Tourists)

    Forwards: Precious Benjamin (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Ezekiel Anthony Kpangu (Inspire FC); Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy); Clinton Jephta (Enyimba FC);

    Others are; Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire FC); Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC); Theophilus Mendos Rickson (Niger Tornadoes); Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway); Matthew Kingsley (Kings FC); Yushau Armiyau (Katsina United).

  • Nigeria qualify for U-20 AFCON, battle Ghana in WAFU B final

    Nigeria qualify for U-20 AFCON, battle Ghana in WAFU B final

    The Flying Eagles of Nigeria are through to the final of the WAFU B U-20 Championship after defeating Niger Republic 3-1 in Lome, Togo on Sunday.

    The win ensured Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 AFCON in South Africa, while they will battle arch rivals Ghana in the final of the WAFU B U-20 championship on Wednesday.

    The Flying Eagles had to come back from a goal deficit to secure victory against their hard fighting opponent from Niger Republic.

    The Junior Mena of Niger went in front after only nine minutes of the second semi-final at the Stade Kegue, but Nigeria were unruffled.

    Instead, the Nigeria lads found a better shape and dominated afterwards, scoring three stunning goals that took them to the Final.

    Clinton Jephta finished with a plomb from outside the box to put Flying Eagles on level terms in the 35th minute, after an eye-catching interchange of passes among Kparobo Arierhi, Abba Maigari and Nasiru Salihu.

    Jephta was on song again 13 minutes after the restart, putting Nigeria ahead for the first time in the match, and goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt deserves praise for his excellent saves that maintained Nigeria’s advantage.

    The Flying Eagles netted the third in added time, through substitute Olalekan Alonge.

    The Flying Eagles of Nigeria who are defending champions will now clash with bitter rivals the Black Satellites of Ghana in the final of the championship on Wednesday in Lome, Togo.

  • Egypt 2023: Flying Eagles return to training for third place clash with Tunisia

    Egypt 2023: Flying Eagles return to training for third place clash with Tunisia

    The Flying Eagles of Nigeria will take on the Tunisian U-20 side in the third-place encounter at the ongoing 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations

    Ladan Bosso’s lad failed to cancel Gambia’s 7th minute strike in the semi-final encounter of the completion.

    The Flying Eagles trained at the 30th June Stadium training pitch in Cairo on Wednesday and Thursday ahead of the clash against the Tunisians.

    The seven-time champions will look to finish the competition on a high by finishing in third position.

    Tunisia were thrashed 3-0 by the Cubs of Senegal in the semi-final.

    Friday’s encounter will take place at the magnificent Cairo International Stadium.

    It will kick-off at 3pm Nigerian time.

    Nigeria is the most successful nation at the U-20 tourney in Africa having won it 7 times.

  • Gambia stun Nigeria’s Flying Eagles to reach Under-20 AFCON final

    Gambia stun Nigeria’s Flying Eagles to reach Under-20 AFCON final

    Nigeria’s Flying Eagles on Monday lost 0-1 to their Gambian counterparts in the semi-finals of the ongoing Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

    The match which was played at the Cairo International Stadium saw the Nigerian side dominating the encounter with 62 per cent possession as against the Gambians’ 38 per cent.

    But they failed to hit target, and have consequently paid for it by missing out on the final match for an attempt at a record eighth title win.

    The Flying Eagles were too casual with play in the opening minutes of the game and were eventually punished for it after seven minutes.

    That was when Adama Bojang capitalised on a loose ball from a misdirected header in Nigeria’s defence to score.

    The Nigerian team did step up their play after going behind, dominating ball possession, creating all the dangerous plays, and putting the Young Scorpions on the back foot.

    But the poor connection between the wingers and the strikers made it difficult for the team to equalise, even with Gambia playing with 10 men for few minutes before the end of the game.

    Earlier, Senegal had thrashed Tunisia 3-0 to reach the final match of the competition in the other semi-final match at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia.

    The Teranga Cubs won the semi-final match emphatically after beating the Young Carthage to secure their place in the final.

    Two goals from new FC Metz recruit Lamine Camara and a sumptuous strike by Pape Diop were enough to send Senegal to the final.

    The three-time runners-up will now face The Gambia in the final on Saturday.

    The final match is scheduled to take place at the Cairo International Stadium.

  • CAF U-20 AFCON: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles defeat host Egypt 1-0

    CAF U-20 AFCON: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles defeat host Egypt 1-0

    The Flying Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday secured its first win of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations ( AFCON) after beating host Egypt 1-0 in the second group A game of the tourney.

    After many unsuccessful attempts at breaking the deadlock, Solomon Agbalaka’s bullet header in the 71st minute was enough for the Flying Eagles against the hosts as they boosted their chance of qualifying for the knockouts stage.

    The Nigerian side started the tournament on a shaky note when they lost 1-0 to the Junior Teranga Lions of Senegal on Sunday.

    However, the win against host Egypt is a morale booster for the Ladan Bosso’s lad who still have the Mozambique hurdle to cross on Saturday to book a quarter-final ticket.

    The victory meant Flying Eagles are now occupying the second position on the log with just three points behind Senegal with six points.

    Egypt, the host nation is on third position with a point from two games, same as Mozambique that lies at the bottom with an inferior goals deficit.

    Group A toppers Senegal have already booked a place in the quarter-final of the tourney with their 3-0 annihilations of Mozambique on Wednesday at the Cairo International Stadium.

    Pape Diallo was the star of the match with his brace while his namesake Pape Diop contributed a goal to the emphatic victory.

    The tournament serves as qualifiers for the FIFA U-20 World Cup holding in the Asian country of Indonesia in May.

    All four teams that make it to the quarter-final of the tournament will automatically qualify to represent Africa in Indonesia 2023 FIFA World Cup.

     

  • Egypt 2023: Flying Eagles to face Senegal today in Cairo

    Egypt 2023: Flying Eagles to face Senegal today in Cairo

    The Flying Eagles of Nigeria  will begin their campaign at the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations on Sunday (today) in Egypt.

    The Flying Eagles have won the tournament a record seven times and are now gunning for the eight title.

    The Eagles also came second twice in 1999 and 2007, while they claimed third position in 1995, 2005 and 2013…

    They are making a return to the competition after missing out two years ago in Mauritania.

    Ladan Bosso’s side are among the pre-tournament favourites having won the WAFU B U-20 championship in May last year in Niger Republic.

    The Nigerian boys are also unbeaten in their last 19 games with 18 wins and one draw.

    The Nigerian boys will face Senegal U-20 boys today in the second game of the tournament in Cairo, Today.

    The match kicks off by 6pm Nigerian time at the Cairo International Stadium.

    The Flying Eagles will take on hosts Egypt three days later in their second game.

    Their final group game is against Mozambique on February 25.