Nigeria kept their U20 AFCON dreams alive with a dramatic 3-1 penalty shootout victory over reigning champions Senegal, after a tense goalless draw at the Suez Canal Stadium on Monday.
In a quarter-final clash loaded with history and high stakes, both sides battled fiercely over 120 minutes without finding the back of the net. Nigeria entered the match unbeaten, while Senegal sought to defend their crown — but it was the Flying Eagles who soared under pressure.
The shootout saw Nigeria’s Precious Benjamin, Emmanuel Chukwu, and Israel Ayuma convert with calm precision. Senegal, on the other hand, buckled. Pierre Dorival’s penalty was saved, Mame Mor Faye’s effort was blocked, and Ousmane Konaté struck the crossbar — leaving Seydi Diouck as their lone scorer.
The result ends Senegal’s title defense and extends Nigeria’s perfect record in U20 AFCON quarter-finals to eight wins under the current format. It also secures their place in the semi-finals and qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup.
Though the scoreline suggests a deadlock, the action was anything but dull. Nigeria’s Kparobo Arierhi and Divine Oliseh tested Senegal’s Mouhamed Sissokho with sharp efforts, while Senegal’s Cheikh Thiam nearly broke through with a first-half header that crashed off the post.
Nigeria now march into the final four with momentum and history on their side, while Senegal exit as dethroned champions — edged by the nerve and precision of their fiercest rivals.
