Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have crashed out of the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations following a narrow 1-0 loss to South Africa in Thursday’s semifinal clash.
The match, held on May 15, 2025, saw Nigeria struggle to convert possession into goals, allowing the Amajita to snatch victory and advance to the tournament’s final.
Coached by Aliyu Zubairu, the Flying Eagles came into the encounter buoyed by a penalty shootout win over Senegal in the quarterfinals, a result that also secured them a spot in the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup. But hopes of adding another AFCON title to their record were dashed by a determined South African side.
Both teams adopted a cautious, counter-attacking approach in a goalless first half marked by midfield battles and few clear scoring opportunities.
Nigeria’s plans took a hit early in the second half when 15-year-old goalkeeper Ebenezer Ifeanyi-Harcourt was forced off due to injury in the 51st minute. His replacement, Ajia Soliu Yakub, was called into action shortly after.
In the 66th minute, South Africa’s Tylon Christopher Smith capitalized on a defensive lapse, heading home the decisive goal that would seal Nigeria’s fate.
Coach Zubairu made late substitutions in an attempt to claw back into the game, but the Flying Eagles failed to breach South Africa’s defence.
With this result, South Africa advance to the U-20 AFCON final, while Nigeria will now turn their focus to preparations for the FIFA U-20 World Cup later this year.
