U-20 AFCON: Nigeria Defeat Egypt To Claim Bronze

After a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Sunday, Nigeria defeated the host country, Egypt, 4-1 on penalties to earn a hard-fought bronze medal at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, according to The PUNCH.

It was a match filled with intensity as both sides sought redemption after falling short of the final.

Nigeria, now with five third-place finishes in U-20 AFCON history, showed composure in a tense shootout to earn their 14th podium finish in the competition.

Egypt struck early in the game and looked the more threatening side in the opening exchanges. In just the third minute, Osama Omar capitalised on a loose ball in the Nigerian area, firing home after Mahmoud Labib’s cut-back caused confusion in the Flying Eagles’ defence.

Despite the early setback, Nigeria gradually found their rhythm. Their midfield trio began to dictate the tempo, and chances soon followed.

Clinton Jephta and Precious Benjamin forced fine saves from Egyptian goalkeeper Abdel Monem Tamer, while Israel Ayuma went close on two occasions from distance.

Nigeria’s persistence paid off shortly after the break. Just two minutes into the second half, Divine Oliseh split the Egyptian defence with a perfectly weighted pass, allowing Bidemi Amole to coolly finish beyond Tamer and draw Nigeria level.

Buoyed by the equaliser, the Flying Eagles pushed for a winner. Substitute Tahir Maigana added pace and urgency in the final third, while Kparobo Arierhi caused problems for the Egyptian backline with his movement.