Nigeria secured third place at the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Egypt 2025 following a dramatic 4–1 penalty shootout victory over hosts Egypt on Sunday.
The third-place playoff, held at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, ended 1–1 in regulation time before the Flying Eagles held their nerve from the spot to claim their fifth bronze medal in the competition’s history.
It was a spirited contest between two sides seeking to finish their campaign on a high after falling short of the final.
Egypt took an early lead in the third minute through Osama Omar, but Nigeria drew level just after the break thanks to a composed finish by Bidemi Amole.
With no extra time played in the third-place match, the outcome was decided by penalties. Nigeria converted all four of their spot-kicks, while Egypt missed two.
The hosts made a bright start, with Omar finishing neatly from close range following Mahmoud Labib’s cut-back. However, Nigeria gradually grew into the match, enjoying more possession and creating multiple chances.
Clinton Jephta and Precious Benjamin forced saves from Egyptian goalkeeper Abdel Monem Tamer, while Israel Ayuma’s long-range efforts went narrowly wide.
The equaliser came just two minutes into the second half when Divine Oliseh threaded a perfect through ball to Amole, who calmly slotted it past the keeper.
Nigeria pushed for a winner, with substitutes Tahir Maigana and Kparobo Arierhi injecting pace and urgency into the attack. Egypt almost stole victory in added time, but Mohamed El Sayed struck the crossbar and Mohamed Haitham’s effort hit the post in a tense conclusion.
In the ensuing penalty shootout, Nigeria were clinical, with successful attempts from Emmanuel Chukwu, Ayuma, Arierhi and Maigana. Egyptian duo Mohamed Atef and Ahmed Kabaka saw their efforts saved by 15-year-old Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, whose assured performance belied his age.
Also Read: U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles Lose Out to South Africa in Semi-Final
The victory marked Nigeria’s fifth bronze and 14th podium finish in U-20 AFCON history. It also continued their impressive record against host nations, having beaten Egypt in consecutive tournaments.
Egypt, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat in a third-place match and conceded for the first time at this stage of the competition.
Final Score
Nigeria 1 (4) – 1 (1) Egypt (Nigeria win on penalties)
Scorers
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Nigeria: Bidemi Amole (47’)
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Egypt: Osama Omar (3’)
Penalty Takers (Nigeria first):
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Chukwu (scored)
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Ayuma (scored)
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Arierhi (scored)
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Maigana (scored)
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Khedr (Egypt – scored)
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Kabaka (saved)
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Atef (saved)
Man of the Match: Adamu Maijari (Nigeria)
