Ismailia, Egypt – Nigeria’s Flying Eagles don prepare well to face South Africa’s Amajita for the semi-final of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday, May 15, 2025. With this match, na dem go continue their impressive record as dem dey aim to qualify for their 10th final in the history of the competition.
The Flying Eagles, who don win this tournament seven times, get rich history wey dey favour dem as dem enter this encounter. Dis no be the first time wey both teams go meet for this competition, but Nigeria dey enter with better pedigree and experience. Dis na dem 17th time wey dem go dey play semi-final, and dem don make dis stage every time wey dem qualify since dem start for this tournament.
The last time Nigeria reach semi-final na 2015, when dem beat Ghana. For this tournament, dem start with a 1-0 win against Tunisia, followed by draws against Morocco and Kenya. Dem face Senegal for quarter-finals, and after a goalless draw, dem win 3-1 for penalties. Despite getting just three goals in four matches, dem strong defensive record show why dem be one of the best teams for dis tournament.
Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt don shine well, making five saves against Senegal and helping dem keep three clean sheets. Dis solid defence go be key as dem prepare for their rivalry with South Africa.
“I believe we are going to have a great semi-final against the South Africans,” Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu talk. “I can guarantee that our approach will be much better, as the anxiety of whether or not we will earn a FIFA World Cup ticket is no longer there.”
Zubairu express joy say dem don qualify for the World Cup, which don help dem to take pressure off their shoulders. He add say dem go approach the match against South Africa with determination and composure.
“We know the rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa, and we go really go in there to battle,” Zubairu conclude. He don see improvement from his boys since dem begin the competition, saying dem dey ready to show their best performance for dis crucial match.
South Africa, on their side, don also qualify for dis semi-final after dem struggle to defeat the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 in extra time. Historically, Nigeria don beat South Africa for most matchups, but South Africa fit spring surprises as dem don show for previous tournaments.
Dis encounter go kick-off by 4pm Nigerian time at the Suez Canal Stadium, and di winner go face either Egypt or Morocco for di final. With so much history and rivalry between the two nations, dis semi-final go surely be a battle to remember.
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