Nigeria\u2019s Flying Eagles booked their place in the semi-finals of the U-20 AFCON with a nervy but hard-fought victory over defending champions Senegal in a goalless clash that was decided by a penalty shootout, Soccernet.ng<\/a> reports. <\/strong><\/p>\n Despite creating the bulk of the chances during regulation and extra time, Aliyu Zubairu\u2019s boys were repeatedly denied by Senegal\u2019s rock-solid goalkeeper, Mouhamed Sissoko, in a game where both teams struggled to convert their opportunities into goals.<\/p>\n However, when it mattered most, Nigeria\u2019s shot-stopper Ebenezer Ifeanyi Harcourt delivered in style. After a 120-minute stalemate, Harcourt produced two crucial saves during the shootout, and with Senegal\u2019s final penalty crashing against the crossbar, Nigeria sealed their spot in the semi-finals\u2014and with it, a ticket to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.<\/p>\n The Flying Eagles set the tempo from the start, registering four shots within the first 26 minutes while keeping Senegal from threatening their goal.<\/p>\n Divine Oliseh, Kparobo Arierhi, and Clinton Jephta all had attempts blocked or saved in a first half that could have easily swung in Nigeria’s favour.<\/p>\n Senegal’s Mouhamed Sissoko and Nigeria’s Ebenezer Harcourt were crucial figures. Sissoko pulled off numerous saves\u2014most notably from Arierhi’s 94th-minute header\u2014to frustrate Nigeria.<\/p>\n Harcourt, meanwhile, grew into the game and ultimately became the hero in the shootout with two vital stops.<\/p>\n Neither team could capitalise in extra time, though both had close calls. Nigeria\u2019s Precious Benjamin saw his effort fly over the bar, while Senegal had a header narrowly miss the target. The deadlock persisted as nerves set in and fatigue took its toll.<\/p>\n When the match went to penalties, Harcourt\u2019s composure was unmatched. He saved two Senegalese spot-kicks before their final attempt hit the bar, handing Nigeria a 3-1 shootout win.<\/p>\n : unlocked. <\/p>\n Nigeria earned their spot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025! #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/IwaGnsSMST<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 12, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n With that, the Flying Eagles punched their ticket to the World Cup<\/a> and kept their title hopes alive.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Nigeria-vs-Senegal-U20.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSoccer Four Takeaways from Nigeria vs Senegal<\/a><\/h2>\n
1. Nigeria Dominated but Lacked the Finishing Touch<\/h3>\n
2. Goalkeepers Took Centre Stage<\/h3>\n
![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Ebenezer-Harcourt-in-action-for-Nigeria.jpg\")
3. Missed Chances in Extra Time Heightened the Tension<\/h3>\n
4. Harcourt\u2019s Penalty Heroics Sealed World Cup Qualification<\/h3>\n
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![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Ayomide-Oguntimehin-pics-150x150.jpg\")
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