U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles Battle Egypt For Bronze

The seven-time champions, the Flying Eagles, will play Egypt, the hosts and four-time champions, in a third-place playoff on Sunday (today) at the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

Both continental powerhouses fell short in their respective semi-final clashes and must now settle for the bronze medal contest at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo.

The Flying Eagles suffered a loss to South Africa on Thursday, while Egypt suffered a narrow defeat to North African rivals Morocco in Thursday’s second semi-final.

Nigeria will now play their fifth third place match in this competition, having previously claimed bronze on three occasions. Egypt, meanwhile, will be appearing in their fourth third-place playoff, having also secured bronze three times previously.

The clash carries additional significance as Nigeria and Egypt contested the 2005 final in Cotonou, with the Flying Eagles emerging victorious following a 2-0 win courtesy of a brace from the late Isaac Promise.

More recently, both sides met in the group stage two years ago, where Nigeria claimed victory through Solomon Agbalaka’s first-half header.

Meanwhile, Morocco and South Africa prepare for a rematch of the 1997 final in the championship match.