2025 U-20 AFCON: Abubakar Rufai’s heroics lands Nigeria bronze at Egypt’s expense

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have claimed the bronze medal at the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating hosts Egypt 4-1 via penalty shoot-outs, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria lost out to South Africa in the semifinal of the tournament on Thursday in arguably their best game of the tournament. That set them up for a date with hosts Egypt, who lost to Morocco.

Egypt had the advantage as hosts, and it seemed like it would count for a lot, as they got in front after just three minutes, courtesy of a strike from Omar Osama.

Nonetheless, coach Aliyu Zubairu’s lads quickly grew into the game and started bossing the play. However, they just lacked the cutting edge and the right ideas in the final third.

It was not the regular starting XI, as players like Yushau Armiyau, Ezekiel Kpangu, and Precious Bejamin, who have not been starting, started.

But before the break, coach Zubairu introduced Divine Oliseh and Bidemi Amole to add an extra bite to the attack. And just two minutes into the second half, both of them combined for Nigeria’s opening goal. Oliseh set up Amole nicely in the box after a nice progression from midfield.

More to follow…