Soccer
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will take on tournament hosts Egypt in the third-place match of the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, May 18, at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Soccernet.ng reports.
The encounter offers both nations a chance to end their campaigns on a high note following bitterly disappointing semi-final exits.
Nigeria, in pursuit of an eighth title, were edged out 1-0 by South Africa’s Amajitas in a tightly contested clash in Ismailia, while Egypt suffered a similar fate — losing 1-0 to North African rivals Morocco.
For Nigeria, the bronze medal game provides an opportunity to salvage pride after falling short of expectations.
Aliyu Zubairu’s team had looked promising throughout the tournament, notably knocking out reigning champions Senegal in the quarter-finals. But against South Africa, they paid the price for missed chances.
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 15, 2025
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Nigeria vs Egypt: Flying Eagles to face Young Pharaohs in U-20 AFCON bronze duel
Tylon Smith’s 66th-minute header, following a well-delivered cross from Neo Rapoo, proved decisive.
Despite dominating much of the match, Nigeria were denied time and again by a resolute South African defence and an inspired performance from goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe. Emmanuel Chukwu, Israel Ayuma, and substitute Bidemi Amole all came close, but the elusive equaliser never arrived.
The Flying Eagles now prepare to face Egypt in a rematch of their pre-tournament friendly, which Nigeria won 2-1 thanks to goals from Kparobo Ariehi and Precious Benjamin.
A repeat result on Sunday would earn Nigeria their seventh third-place finish at U-20 AFCON — a competition record. They have previously claimed bronze in 1979, 1981, 1995, 2009, 2013, and most recently in 2023.
Egypt, meanwhile, are still reeling from their semi-final defeat to Morocco. The Young Pharaohs had hoped to win a fifth continental title on home soil but were undone by a disciplined Moroccan side.
When Jones El Abdellaoui decided to do it himself! #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/nKQkMQBi9t
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 15, 2025
They too will view Sunday’s match as a final chance for redemption — and a boost heading into the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, which both nations have already qualified for.
Historically, Egypt have finished third three times — in 1993, 2001, and 2011. Their fans will expect nothing less than a strong finish to the tournament, especially in front of a home crowd.
For Nigeria, it’s a chance to bury the pain of a third consecutive semi-final defeat — having also lost at that stage to Gambia in 2023 and Mali in 2019 — and end the tournament on a winning note.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
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