By Akinwale Kasali
The Nigeria Under-20 Team, the Flying Eagles has qualified for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup scheduled for Chile later this year.
The Coach Aliyu Zubair-led team, also, secured a place in the semi finals of the Africa Cup of Nations U-20 tournament after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Senegal.
The tightly contested knockout stage encounter ended goalless after regular and extra time.
Ultimately, it was Nigeria which triumphed 3–1 in the penalty shootout.
The match, held in the knockout stage of the Continental Youth Championship, saw the two sides locked in a stalemate throughout regulation and extra time.
Despite numerous attempts from both sides, neither team could break the deadlock which then led to a penalty decider.
Nigeria converted three of their spot-kicks, while Senegal managed only one, allowing the Flying Eagles to clinch the win and progress to the last four of the competition.
Sporting Lagos goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was the Flying Eagles’ hero, saving two penalties in the shootout to help Nigeria get the better of their opponents.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s side, who conquered the WAFU B zone last year reached the quarter-finals as the second best team in Group B behind Morocco.
There was little to separate both teams during regulation time in terms of goalscoring action, although Senegal’s Cheikh Thiam came close in the 42nd minute with a header that cane off the post.
Also, Flying Eagles number one Harcourt made a superb stop in the 53rd minute to deny the Junior Teranga Lions from breaking the deadlock.
The Nigerian lads also had a few half-chances of theirs through Kparobo Arierhi and Divine Oliseh, but Senegal shot-stopper Mouhamed Sissokho made several saves to keep them at bay.
During the ensuing shootout, Nigerian trio; Precious Benjamin, Israel Ayuma, and Emmanuel Chukwu all converted from the twelve yards, while goalkeeper Harcourt stood his ground as he saved two penalties from the Senegalese.
Senegal’s spot takers were not so lucky, as the duo; Pierre Dorival and Mame Mor Faye failed to beat Harcourt – with the Nigerian making pinpoint saves, while Ousmane Konate’s effort rattled the crossbar. Their only successful penalty came via Seydi Diouck, which was insufficient to see them through.
Nigeria currently remain unbeaten at the U-20 AFCON in Egypt, and are on course to win a record-extending eighth continental title while Senegal suffered their first defeat in a knockout match at the competition since 2017.
Furthermore, the result sees Nigeria clinch a ticket to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Chile from September 27 to October 19.
Nigeria will face South Africa in the semi-finals on Thursday.
Follwing the triumph of the Flying Eagles, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Kwara State Chapter have extended heartfelt congratulations to Coach Zubair and his assistant, Coach Lukman Ijaya, for leading Nigeria’s Flying Eagles to a thrilling semi-final qualification at the ongoing U20 AFCON, a feat that also secured a spot at the upcoming FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
In a joint statement signed by Kwara SWAN Chairman, Ayodeji Ismail, and the Assistant Secretary, Sodiq Adebara, the association described the achievement as “a historic milestone in the annals of Kwara sports,” proudly highlighting that both tacticians are illustrious sons of Kwara State.
It commended the duo’s tactical brilliance, composure, and steadfast leadership, all of which were clearly demonstrated during the Flying Eagles’ resilient performance, particularly in the quarter-final clash, where Nigeria edged Senegal 3-1 on penalties after a hard-fought goalless draw across 120 minutes.
The association praised the team’s unity, discipline, and fighting spirit, attributing their success to the exceptional preparation and guidance provided by the Kwara-born coaching pair.
“This moment goes beyond football; it reflects Kwara’s rising influence in Nigeria’s sporting landscape. Having both the head coach and his assistant hail from our state is a source of great pride and inspiration for emerging talents,” the statement read.
It however offered prayers for continued success for Coach Zubair, Coach Ijaya, and the entire Flying Eagles team as they pursue continental glory and prepare to fly Africa’s flag on the world stage in Chile.
The association also reaffirmed its unwavering support for the coaching crew and the team.
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