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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles missed out on a place in the final of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-0 defeat to South Africa in Thursday’s semi-final clash in Ismailia, Egypt, Footynaija.com reports.
Tylon Smith scored the only goal of the match just after the hour mark, capitalising on a costly goalkeeping error to send South Africa into their first U20 AFCON final in 28 years.
Nigeria, seven-time champions and runners-up in Group B, had high hopes of reclaiming the continental title for the first time since 2015. Their campaign had gathered momentum following a hard-fought quarter-final win over defending champions Senegal.
The Flying Eagles started brightly and looked the more assured side in the first half. Full of confidence and energy, they dominated possession and created the better chances, with Kparobo Arierhi and Tahir Maigana both going close. However, their efforts lacked precision, and the first 45 minutes ended goalless.
A turning point came just before half-time when goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, who had been the hero in the penalty shootout against Senegal, was forced off with an injury. He was replaced by Serbia-based shot-stopper Ajia Yakub of FK Novi Pazar.
Unfortunately for Nigeria, Yakub was at fault when South Africa broke the deadlock. Misjudging a routine cross, the substitute goalkeeper found himself in no man’s land as Smith rose highest to nod home a simple header into an empty net.
Despite throwing everything forward in the closing stages, Aliyu Zubairu’s side were unable to find a way back. South Africa held firm to seal a historic victory and book their spot in Sunday’s final.
Nigeria, who have already qualified for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup, will now face the loser of the second semi-final between Morocco and hosts Egypt in the third-place playoff.
