Nigeria 3-1 Senegal: Flying Eagles win on penalties, qualify for 2025 U-20 World Cup
AFNEWS reporter
May 13, 2025
Nigeria 3-1 Senegal: Flying Eagles win on penalties, qualify for 2025 U-20 World Cup
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup after winning on penalties against Senegal in the quarter-final of the U-20 AFCON.
Nigeria's youth men's national team known as the Flying Eagles defeated their counterparts from Senegal on penalties in a Quarter-final clash at the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (CAF) on Monday, May 12, 2025.
READ ALSO: 2023: PDP Announce New Deadline For Sales Of Nomination Forms | DETAILS
The Flying Eagles came into the game with a group stage sweep without a loss.
They started with a 1-0 win against Tunisia, then played out a 0-0 draw against Morocco and a 2-2 draw with Kenya.
Nigeria defeats Senegal on penalties
Coach Aliyu Zubairu preached discipline for his side ahead of the clash and it turned out to be necessary.
READ ALSO: ( OPINION ) Tinubu: A Man of Courage @73
It was a tactical clash with very little chances created on both sides.
READ ALSO: Sandro Tonali will choose Manchester United if they secure Champions League football
The first half ended without a goal and sparked several chances for both sides.
READ ALSO: Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham in talks with ex-Brighton boss about taking over as head coach
There were no goals in the second half as the game proceeded to extra time.
READ ALSO: Boma Speaks After Eviction, Bares His Heart To Nigerians
In extra time both teams took a defensive approach and could not be separated as penalties were required.
READ ALSO: Eddie Howe Under Pressure as Newcastle Face Summer Exodus and Uncertain Future
In the penalty shoot out, Precious Benjamin scored for Nigeria and Emmanuel Chukwu scored the second after a miss by Senegal.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Ize-Iyamu begs Obaseki; Calls him the leader
Israel Isaac Ayuna scored for Nigeria as Senegal missed again for the Flying Eagles to wrap up the win.
READ ALSO: Chelsea finances: Blues announce biggest pre-tax loss of any club in Premier League history
The result means that the Flying Eagles picked up a ticket in the U-20 AFCON semifinals and also qualified for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup later this year.
Related Stories
David Raya is the best goalkeeper in the world, says Arsenal team-mate Kai Havertz after Sporting heroics
Sandro Tonali will choose Manchester United if they secure Champions League football
Chelsea finances: Blues announce biggest pre-tax loss of any club in Premier League history
Who has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Who do England and Scotland play? Could Lionel Messi face Cristiano Ronaldo?
Eddie Howe Under Pressure as Newcastle Face Summer Exodus and Uncertain Future
Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham in talks with ex-Brighton boss about taking over as head coach
""
— AFNEWS reporter