The U-20 team of Nigeria, also known as the Flying Eagles, has been knocked out of the ongoing CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat in the semi-final round on Thursday evening at the Suez Canal Stadium, Ismailia, Egypt.
The young Nigerian team had better statistics than their opponents throughout the game but were punished after a blunder that led to a goal in the second half. They were unable to find an equalizer in the entire 90 minutes, even though the head coach made six changes.
Nigeria’s title drought over the last ten years continues after this elimination. The team will now face Egypt on May 18 for the bronze medal, while the final between South Africa and Morocco will be held on the same day, three hours later.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shared his congratulatory message to the team, which had earlier qualified for the U-20 FIFA World Cup:
“I congratulate our U-20 men’s football team, the Flying Eagles, for their terrific run at the AFCON U-20 2025 tournament in Egypt and for qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup later this year in Chile.
You did Nigeria proud despite tonight’s semi-final loss! Keep your head up.”
