By Folusho Alade
... Flying eagles picks ticket for Fifa world cup
Head coach of Nigeria’s U20 national team, the Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu says his target is a a record-extending eighth U 20 AFCON title .
Speaking after his lads stopped Senegal 3-1 on penalties after both teams played out a scoreless draw in regulation time and extra time in their quarter final encounter at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia ,Egypt on Tuesday to qualify for the semi final of the 2025 Afcon U20 tournament.
In his words: “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.”
The Flying Eagles held their nerves in the penalty shootout, while the Young Teranga Lions crumbled under the pressure.
Precious Benjamin, Emmanuel Chukwu and Israel Ayuma converted their penalties to earn Nigeria the win.
Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, the youngest player for the Flying Eagles at 15, was the hero for Nigeria after he saved two of the spot kicks by Senegal.
Coach Zubairu said they trained for this moment, including penalties, with his boys sticking to the plan when it mattered the most.
The victory means Nigeria is the first African country to qualify for the FIFA Under 20 World Cup Chile 2025.
The Nigerian team will face either South African or DR Congo in the semi-final.
