Nigeria National Under 20 Men’s Football team Flying Eagles have sealed a third place finish at the CAF Under 20 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating hosts Egypt 4-1 on penalties in a keenly contested bronze medal match in Cairo.
The encounter ended 1-1 after regulation time, with Egypt’s Omar Osama opening the scoring in the 3rd minute before Nigeria equalized through Bidemi Amole just two minutes into the second half.
In a tense penalty shootout at the 30 June Stadium, goalkeeper Ajia Yakubu emerged as the hero for Nigeria saving Egypt’s second and third spot kicks in sensational fashion to hand the Aliyu Zubairu’s side the edge.
The Flying Eagles held their nerve from 12 yards, converting four straight penalties with clinical precision, while Egypt faltered under pressure.
With the feat, Nigeria has wrapped up the AFCON U-20 campaign on a high note, finishing on the podium, reaffirming their status as one of Africa’s most successful youth sides and booking a place at the Under 20 World Cup in Chile in September.
