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The Flying Eagles of Nigeria will face familiar rivals, the Amajita of South Africa, in a highly anticipated semi-final clash at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Thursday at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM (WAT), with both sides already securing qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile after reaching the last four.
Clash of Styles and Stakes
Thursday’s encounter promises more than just a route to the final—it is a battle of tactical resilience versus attacking flair. Nigeria’s well-known offensive prowess will be tested against South Africa’s compact structure and disciplined approach. With young stars eager to shine on the continental stage, the semi-final is set to be a thrilling contest.
Nigeria’s Road to the Semi-Final
The Flying Eagles opened their campaign with a 1–0 win over Tunisia, followed by a goalless draw with Morocco and a 2–2 draw with Kenya. In the quarter-finals, they battled Senegal to a 0–0 draw before emerging 3–1 winners on penalties.
Defensively solid, Nigeria have conceded just two goals in four matches and kept three clean sheets tied with Egypt for the most, despite playing one game fewer.
This marks Nigeria’s 17th appearance in the U-20 AFCON semi-finals. They are chasing a record-extending 10th final and an eighth continental title, having last reached the final in 2015. This is also their ninth consecutive semi-final appearance in tournaments they’ve qualified for.
Head coach Aliyu Zubairu expressed confidence ahead of the clash, noting the team’s growing composure now that the pressure of World Cup qualification is off their shoulders.
Flying Eagles Head coach Aliyu Zubairu
“I believe we are going to have a great semi-final against the South Africans. Our approach will be much better, as the anxiety around qualification is now gone,” said Zubairu.
“We will play with great determination and composure, as we aim for the trophy. The rivalry is clear, and we are ready for a real battle. This team has shown growth and is improving with every match.”
Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt has been one of Nigeria’s standout performers, registering three clean sheets and making five saves in the quarter-final—his highest tally in a single match.
Also Read: U-20 AFCON : Flying Eagles, Amajita to Clash in Semi-Final
South Africa in Strong Form
South Africa’s campaign started slowly with a 1–0 loss to hosts Egypt but has since gained momentum. They defeated Tanzania 1–0 and Sierra Leone 4–1 in the group stage, drew 1–1 with Zambia, and edged DR Congo 1–0 in the quarter-finals.
With three wins in open play their most ever at a single U-20 AFCON, South Africa are in good form and determined to reach their first final since 1997.
Their qualification for the U-20 World Cup marks a fifth appearance and their first on South American soil, having previously played in editions hosted in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
This will be the fourth U-20 AFCON meeting between Nigeria and South Africa. Nigeria claimed a 2–1 win in their first encounter in 2009, while the 2019 group stage and third-place matches ended goalless—South Africa won the latter 5–3 on penalties to clinch bronze.
With the stakes high and history on the line, the winner of Thursday’s semi-final will face either Egypt or Morocco in Sunday’s final.
