After a tense quarter-final clash against Senegal, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have booked a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Footynaija.com reports.
As revealed in an earlier report, the 3-1 penalty win on May 12 in Ismailia not only knocked out the defending champions but also sealed Nigeria’s ticket to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
With confidence high and the next challenge already confirmed, here is what lies ahead for Aliyu Zubairu’s side as they prepare for the business end of the tournament.
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Semi-Final vs South Africa
Nigeria will now face South Africa in the semi-finals on Thursday, 15 May, at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia. According to CAF, kick-off is set for 4:00 PM local time (3:00 PM GMT).
The South Africans sealed their own spot with a 1-0 win over DR Congo after extra time, with Thabang Mahlangu scoring in the 105th minute.
Both nations have already secured World Cup qualification, but this meeting is about more than bragging rights as a spot in the final and a shot at continental glory is on the line.
Same Venue, Same Energy
The Flying Eagles remain in Ismailia, where they claimed victory in a tight match against the defending champions, Senegal. Coach Aliyu Zubairu is expected to stick with his disciplined approach, which has brought stability and structure to the team since their group stage finale.
With captain Daniel Bameyi, goalscorer Kparobo Arierhi, and standout keeper Ebenezer Harcourt all in good form, Nigeria will feel confident ahead of the semi-final.
Final or Third Place?
Depending on the result, Nigeria will either contest the final or the third-place match on Saturday, 18 May. The other semi-final will see Morocco take on Egypt, after both sides recorded wins over Sierra Leone and Ghana respectively.
Nigeria’s path to a record-extending eighth U-20 AFCON title is now just two matches away.
Work Still to Do
Aliyu Zubairu has already guided the Flying Eagles through a tough group and past a strong Senegal side. However, South Africa will bring a different kind of test. Nigeria will need another sharp display, especially in midfield and defence.
No U-20 AFCON title has been won easily, and the Flying Eagles know the job is not done yet. With their World Cup place already in the bag, the focus now is squarely on adding another trophy to Nigeria’s rich youth football history.
