By Olaitan Ibrahim
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured third place at the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout win over hosts Egypt, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The encounter, played in Cairo, saw Egypt took an early lead just three minutes in through Omar Osama.
However, Nigeria responded in the second half when Divine Oliseh found the net to level the scores, pushing the game to a tense conclusion.
Despite dominating possession with 64% and firing 30 shots compared to Egypt’s eight, the Flying Eagles were unable to seal the match in normal time or extra-time.
The game proceeded to penalties, where the Nigerian side displayed composure and clinical finishing, converting four of their spot-kicks. Egypt, in contrast, managed only one successful attempt.
Statistically, Nigeria outclassed Egypt across the board — registering 10 shots on target to the North Africans’ three, and creating six clear goal-scoring opportunities against Egypt’s one.
The bronze medal marks a solid conclusion to the Flying Eagles’ campaign and a promising sign of depth and talent in Nigeria’s next generation of football stars.