The Flying Eagles secured third place at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with a 4-1 penalty shoot-out win over hosts Egypt following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Omar Osama gave Egypt an early lead inside three minutes, but Nigeria responded with intensity. Substitute Divine Oliseh pressed high, dispossessed Egypt’s captain Ahmed Khaled, and squared unselfishly for Bidemi Amole to level two minutes after the restart.
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Despite dominating the second half, the Flying Eagles couldn’t convert late chances. Coach Aliyu Zubairu made a bold call by replacing goalkeeper Yakub with 17-year-old Rufai just before penalties. The decision proved inspired—Rufai saved two spot-kicks, while Nigeria converted all four of theirs.
It was a deserved consolation after a spirited but narrow semi-final defeat to South Africa. Nigeria now leave Egypt with a bronze medal and heads held high.
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