U-20 AFCON: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles set for bronze battle against hosts Egypt

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will square off against hosts Egypt in the third-place match of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for Sunday, May 18, at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Footynaija.com reports.

The Flying Eagles narrowly missed out on a place in the final after a hard-fought 1-0 semi-final defeat to South Africa’s Amajita.

Aliyu Zubairu’s side had earlier impressed by eliminating reigning champions Senegal in the quarter-finals, but their momentum stalled at the penultimate hurdle.

Egypt, meanwhile, also suffered semi-final heartbreak. The Young Pharaohs fell 1-0 to Morocco in an all-North African affair, ending their hopes of clinching a fifth U-20 AFCON title on home soil.

Despite the disappointment, both Nigeria and Egypt will look to finish the tournament on a high note. With both sides already assured of places at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, the bronze medal clash provides a final opportunity for glory and pride.

The Flying Eagles have a strong record in third-place fixtures, having claimed bronze six times — in 1979, 1981, 1995, 2009, 2013, and most recently in 2023. Egypt, on the other hand, have secured third place three times — in 1993, 2001, and 2011.

Nigeria will also take confidence from their 2-1 pre-tournament friendly win over Egypt, where goals from Kparobo Ariehi and Precious Benjamin sealed the victory. A repeat performance on Sunday would earn them a record-extending seventh third-place finish.