The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have booked their ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup finals after defeating Cup holders Senegal in the ongoing CAF U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt 3-1 on penalties.
The encounter at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia finished scoreless even after extra time, and the encounter had to be settled after penalty shootout in Egypt’s third city.
Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt turned out to be the hero, punching over a vicious shot by the dangerous Ibrahima Dieng in the the 54th minute, and then saving two kicks in the shootout before Ousmane Konate blasted his kick against the sticks to hand victory to the Flying Eagles.
An intense opening stage in sunny Ismailia soon gave way to back-and-forth, and the defending champions came close in the 27th minute when Harcourt inadvertently dropped the ball but Dieng failed to find gold.
However, 15 minutes later, the Lion Cubs again broke forward, but Dieng’s header saw the ball kiss the upright.
Nigeria largely controlled proceedings in the last quarter-hour, with Divine Oliseh, Kparobo Arierhi and substitute Precious Benjamin all missing good chances.
In extra time, substitute Tahir Maigana rattled Senegal goalkeeper Mouhamed Sissokho with a great shot from distance, and Israel Ayuma’s heaved effort from a free-kick on the left forced Sissokho to backtrack quickly and punch the ball over the bar.
After substitute Pierre Diatta Dorival’s first kick in the shootout was saved by Harcourt and Precious Benjamin scored, Nigeria rose to the ascendancy, and won after further goals by Emmanuel Chukwu and Israel Ayuma, while the Senegalese could only score one of their four kicks.
Victory sets the Flying Eagles up against the winner of Monday night’s clash between South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo, also at the same venue.
Speaking after the keenly contested game, Coach of the team, Aliyu Zubairu said they trained for this moment, including penalties, with his boys sticking to the plan when it mattered the most.
“This is a big win for Nigeria, but we are not celebrating yet. We came here with a goal — to qualify for the World Cup and challenge for the title. One box is ticked, now we keep pushing.
“They’ve matured through every game — tactically, mentally, emotionally. That’s the true development path, and I’m proud of every single one of them,” coach Zubairu saluted.
Meanwhile NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, expressed delight that the Flying Eagles have picked a ticket to the World Cup finals.
“The ticket to the World Cup was the first objective and we have achieved that. The second objective is to win the trophy, and after congratulating the team for their effort, I have reminded them that the country is waiting for them to bring the trophy back home.”