By Abubakar Ojima-Ojo
The Flying Eagles have won the U-20 AFCON a record eight times. Photo: CAF Online.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have won the bronze medal at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after beating hosts Egypt on penalties.
The game ended 1-1 after normal and extra time. But the Flying Eagles won 4-1 following the spot kicks.
The victory marked Nigeria’s fifth bronze medal and 14th top-three finish in U-20 AFCON history.
Nigeria were hoping to finish strong after missing out on the final spot, however, Egypt’s Osama Omar struck early in the third minute to unsettle Aliyi Zubairu’s men.
But Bidemi Amole restored parity for Nigeria shortly after the restart from a precise through ball from Divine Oliseh.
The Flying Eagles pushed for a winner, with substitute Tahir Maigana and Kparobo Arierhi adding energy in attack. Egypt, however, nearly snatched victory in stoppage time as Mohamed El Sayed struck the bar and Mohamed Haitham hit the post in a frantic finale.
With the game tied 1-1 after 90 minutes, penalties followed and Nigeria showed clinical precision from the spot, converting all four attempts through Emmanuel Chukwu, Ayuma, Arierhi, and Maigana.
Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was the hero on the night, stopping Egypt’s Mohamed Atef and Ahmed Kabaka’s efforts.
