Nigeria’s Flying Eagles booked their place in the semi-finals of the U-20 AFCON with a nervy but hard-fought victory over defending champions Senegal in a goalless clash that was decided by a penalty shootout, Soccernet.ng reports.

Despite creating the bulk of the chances during regulation and extra time, Aliyu Zubairu’s boys were repeatedly denied by Senegal’s rock-solid goalkeeper, Mouhamed Sissoko, in a game where both teams struggled to convert their opportunities into goals.

However, when it mattered most, Nigeria’s shot-stopper Ebenezer Ifeanyi Harcourt delivered in style. After a 120-minute stalemate, Harcourt produced two crucial saves during the shootout, and with Senegal’s final penalty crashing against the crossbar, Nigeria sealed their spot in the semi-finals—and with it, a ticket to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

1. Nigeria Dominated but Lacked the Finishing Touch

The Flying Eagles set the tempo from the start, registering four shots within the first 26 minutes while keeping Senegal from threatening their goal.

Divine Oliseh, Kparobo Arierhi, and Clinton Jephta all had attempts blocked or saved in a first half that could have easily swung in Nigeria’s favour.

2. Goalkeepers Took Centre Stage

Senegal’s Mouhamed Sissoko and Nigeria’s Ebenezer Harcourt were crucial figures. Sissoko pulled off numerous saves—most notably from Arierhi’s 94th-minute header—to frustrate Nigeria.

Ebenezer Harcourt [Photo credit/IMAGO]

Harcourt, meanwhile, grew into the game and ultimately became the hero in the shootout with two vital stops.

3. Missed Chances in Extra Time Heightened the Tension

Neither team could capitalise in extra time, though both had close calls. Nigeria’s Precious Benjamin saw his effort fly over the bar, while Senegal had a header narrowly miss the target. The deadlock persisted as nerves set in and fatigue took its toll.

4. Harcourt’s Penalty Heroics Sealed World Cup Qualification

When the match went to penalties, Harcourt’s composure was unmatched. He saved two Senegalese spot-kicks before their final attempt hit the bar, handing Nigeria a 3-1 shootout win.

: unlocked.

Nigeria earned their spot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025! #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/IwaGnsSMST

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 12, 2025

With that, the Flying Eagles punched their ticket to the World Cup and kept their title hopes alive.