Nigeria edge Egypt to claim U-20 AFCON bronze

Nigeria claimed third place at the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations after a 4-1 penalty shootout victory over hosts, Egypt.

The third-place round which held at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo, ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria then went on to win the game on penalties to secure their fifth bronze medal in U-20 AFCON history.

Egypt pegged Nigeria early into the game as Osama Omar scored in the third minute to give the hosts the lead.

The Egyptian lashed in a clinical finish from close range after Mahmoud Labib’s cut-back, causing loud cheers from the home fans.

The Flying Eagles got back into the game as they dominated play, searching for the leveller.

Clinton Jephta and Precious Benjamin tested Egyptian goalkeeper Abdel Monem Tamer, while Israel Ayuma’s long-range efforts failed to find the target.

Following the restart of the game, Nigeria finally got the equaliser as Bidemi Amole found the net for the Flying Eagles.

Two minutes into the second half, Divine Oliseh sent a through ball towards Amole, who kept his composure to slot home the equaliser.

Both side pushed for the winner, with Egypt having the biggest chance, as Mohamed El Sayed and Mohamed Haitham hit the post in stoppage time.

With no extra time played in the third-place match, the Flying Eagles became victorious, converting all four of their spot-kicks, while Egypt missed two.

Emmanuel Chukwu, Ayuma, Kpakpo Arierhi and Maigana scored for Nigeria, while Ebenezer Harcourt once again saved Mohamed Atef and Ahmed Kabaka.

The win marked Nigeria’s fifth bronze medal and 14th top-three finish in U-20 AFCON history.

Meanwhile, both sides have qualified for the U20 FIFA World Cup.