Sporting Lagos Academy goalkeeper, Ebenezer Harcourt, was the standout hero as Nigeria booked their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 (U-20 AFCON). The Flying Eagles edged defending champions Senegal 3-1 on penalties after a hard-fought goalless draw over 120 minutes at the Suez Canal Stadium on Monday.
In a quarter-final clash filled with tension and missed opportunities, both West African giants failed to break the deadlock in regulation and extra time. Nigeria, however, held their nerve in the shootout — thanks largely to Harcourt’s brilliance between the sticks.
The Sporting Lagos prodigy denied Pierre Dorival and Mame Mor Faye from the spot, while Ousmane Konaté smashed his effort against the crossbar. Nigeria converted three of their four penalties through Precious Benjamin, Emmanuel Chukwu, and Israel Ayuma, sealing a deserved passage into the last four.
Senegal, despite Seydi Diouck converting one penalty, were eliminated — suffering their first knockout-stage defeat since 2017. The reigning champions’ dream of defending their title came to an abrupt end.
Throughout the game, Harcourt remained composed, stepping up when it mattered most. His pivotal saves turned the tide in Nigeria’s favor and underlined his growing reputation as one of the brightest young talents in African football.
In open play, Nigeria’s Kparobo Arierhi and Divine Oliseh tested Senegal’s keeper Mouhamed Sissokho, while Senegal nearly stole it late in the first half when Cheikh Thiam struck the post with a powerful header.
Nigeria’s bench made timely substitutions, injecting energy with the likes of Rickson Mendos and Precious Benjamin, while Senegal’s late tactical changes failed to break Nigeria’s defensive resolve.
In extra time, Nigeria pushed harder — Tahir Maigana and Israel Ayuma both came close with long-range strikes, but were denied by Sissokho.
Ultimately, the tie was decided by poise under pressure — and Ebenezer Harcourt, with two penalty saves in the shoot-out, emerged as the game-changer.
The result marks Nigeria’s eighth consecutive quarter-final win at the U-20 AFCON under the current format, and keeps their record intact of never losing at this stage. With momentum on their side and confidence in their shot-stopper, the Flying Eagles are now one step closer to an eighth U-20 AFCON continental title.
𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲: unlocked. 🔓🌍
Nigeria earned their spot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025! 🇳🇬 #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/IwaGnsSMST
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 12, 2025
