Nigeria 0-0 Senegal (3-1 pen.): Goalkeeper Harcourt the hero as Flying Eagles seal World Cup and U20 AFCON semifinal spots

Nigeria are through to the semifinals of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations after beating Senegal 3-1 on penalties, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The match ended goalless as both teams could not be separated after extra time but Nigeria kept their cool during the penalty shootout to claim a memorable win. 

Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt emerged the hero for the Flying Eagles as he made two penalty saves while another Senegal spot kick struck the crossbar.

In the end, Nigeria retained their unbeaten record in the quarterfinals of the AFCON, advanced to the semifinal and sealed a spot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Nigeria vs Senegal: How it happened 

Coach Aliyu Zubairu made two changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Kenya in their final group game, handing starts to Sulyman Olalekan Alabi and Bidemi Olalekan Amole in place of Kpangu and Cletus.

The first half turned out to be the Flying Eagles’ most impressive performance of the tournament so far, with the Nigerian youngsters completely dominating Senegal in every department.

Their off-the-ball movement, composure in possession, and rapid transitions from defence to attack were close to flawless. However, a lack of cutting edge in front of goal meant the game remained goalless at the break despite Nigeria’s dominance.

Divine Oliseh had two clear chances but fired straight at the goalkeeper on both occasions, while striker Kparobo Arierhi also spurned a couple of good opportunities.

At the other end, Daniel Bameyi and Emmanuel Cletus were solid at the back, effectively shutting down Senegal’s attacking threats. Goalkeeper Harcourt was alert and dependable whenever the Young Teranga Lions managed to break through.

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Nigeria’s intensity dropped after the interval as fatigue began to take its toll, allowing Senegal to grow into the game. Even so, the deadlock remained unbroken by the 70th minute, with both sides still searching for a breakthrough.

Oliseh should have done better when put through on goal in the 75th minute but the young attacker’s lame shot was easily dealt with by the opposing goalie.

Exhausted and visibly fatigued, Amole, Alabi, and Oliseh were withdrawn, with Auwal Ibrahim, Rickson Mendos, and Precious Benjamin introduced to inject fresh energy into the Nigerian side.

But despite the new legs for both teams, neither could find a breakthrough in regulation time. Nigeria came close when a late header forced a fine save from Senegal’s goalkeeper, but the match remained goalless, forcing 30 minutes of extra time.

Nigeria had the first clear chance after the restart, but Benjamin blazed over from the edge of the area. Senegal responded with a brief threat from a set piece, before Nigeria forced a series of four successive corners—but failed to carve out a meaningful chance or seriously test the Senegalese goal.

In the 100th minute, Arierhi tried his luck from distance but couldn’t keep his effort down. Moments later, Senegal came closest to breaking the deadlock when substitute Serigne Diouf headed narrowly wide from a free-kick.

After a short break, the second half of extra time began.

Barely moments after the restart, Senegal keeper Sissokho produced a stunning one-handed save to deny substitute Tahir Maigana, who had unleashed a fierce shot destined for goal.

Sissokho wasn’t done. Minutes later, he made another fine stop—tipping over a curling Nigerian free-kick that looked bound for the top corner.

Senegal were hanging on, but Nigeria simply couldn’t find the goal their dominance and creativity deserved.

With no breakthrough after 120 minutes, the tie was ultimately settled by penalties.

Benjamin, Chukwu, and Ayuma all scored from the spot while goalkeeper Ebenezer made two saves to hand Nigeria a 3-1 win. 

With the victory Nigeria progress to the quarter-finals of the U20 AFCON and also seal a spot to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile later in the year.