U-20 AFCON: Nigeria overcome hosts Egypt in penalty shootout to win third place

Photo: Egyptian Football Association

Nigeria finished as the third place team at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday following a 4-1 penalty shootout victory over hosts Egypt. The Flying Eagles confirmed third place honors with a strong shootout performance after playing to a 1-1 draw with the hosts through ninety minutes.

Adamu Maigari completed a perfect 4-for-4 run by the Flying Eagles from the penalty spot in a result that was deserved. Nigeria dominated proceedings after a poor start that saw Omar Osama open the scoring in the third minute of play after the Nigerian defense was exposed by a pass over the top.

But from then on it was all Nigeria. Egypt managed to escape to halftime with their 1-0 lead intact but the Flying Eagles pulled back level early in the second half. High pressure on the Egyptian defense resulted in a turnover by captain Ahmed Kabaka and Nigeria pounced. Divine Oliseh had plenty of time to set up fellow halftime substitute Bidemi Amole for a routine finish.

Nigeria did not find a match winner in the remainder of the second half despite increasing the pressure on Egypt. In fact, the hosts nearly stole victory in second half stoppage time but the woodwork denied an excellent opportunity.

However, after the match went directly to penalty kicks after ninety minutes, substitute goalkeeper Abubakar Rufai saved two Egyptian spot kicks while Nigeria converted all four of their attempts to confirm third place.