Flying Eagles Set for Epic Semi-Final Showdown Against South Africa
Nigerians have begun preparations and anticipation is building after it was confirmed that the Nigeria U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, will face South Africa in the semi-finals of the ongoing 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) currently taking place in Egypt.
The Flying Eagles secured their place in the semi-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Senegal. The match ended 0-0 after regulation and extra time, but Nigeria emerged victorious thanks to goalkeeper Ebenzar Harcout, who made two crucial saves during the shootout.
With the win, Nigeria became the first African team to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which will be held in Chile later this year.
South Africa followed suit after edging DR Congo in a similarly intense match. Like Nigeria’s encounter, their game remained goalless through regular time. Substitute Siyabonga Mahlangu became the hero, scoring the winning goal in the 105th minute to send South Africa through.
This isn’t the first time the two nations are clashing at this level. Nigeria defeated South Africa in the 2009 edition, while South Africa got their revenge in 2019, winning via penalties in the third-place play-off to claim the bronze medal.
Both sides have a lot to fight for in this encounter. Nigeria remains the most successful team in U-20 AFCON history, having won the tournament seven times. They are aiming to add an eighth title to their cabinet, their last coming in 2015.
South Africa, on the other hand, are still chasing their first title. Their best performance came in 1997 when they finished as runners-up after a narrow 1-0 loss to Morocco in the final.
Alongside Nigeria and South Africa, Egypt and Morocco have also booked tickets to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup by reaching the semi-finals. However, the battle for continental supremacy continues, as all four nations remain in contention for the coveted AFCON trophy.
Nigeria will take on South Africa on Thursday, May 15, 2025, with kickoff set for 4 PM, while hosts Egypt will face Morocco later that evening at 7 PM.
