The tense quarter-final clash, held at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, ended goalless after 120 minutes, before Nigeria triumphed 3-1 in the ensuing penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt emerged as the hero of the night, saving two crucial penalties to secure victory for the Nigerian side. His heroics were instrumental in sending the Flying Eagles into the last four of the tournament and also ensuring their qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Head coach Aliyu Zubairu praised the team's resilience and composure under pressure, as they overcame one of the tournament favourites.
"We trained for this moment. Every possible scenario was prepared for - including penalties. The boys stuck to the plan and executed it when it mattered the most. That's what champions do," head coach Aliyu Zubairu said after the match.
"This is a big win for Nigeria, but we are not celebrating yet.
"We came here with a goal - to qualify for the World Cup and challenge for the title. One box is ticked, now we keep pushing. They've matured through every game - tactically, mentally, emotionally. That's the true development path, and I'm proud of every single one of them."
The win marks a significant milestone in Nigeria's campaign, as they now set their sights on capturing a record - extending eighth U-20 African title.
President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, expressed his delight at the team's performance and reaffirmed the joint ambition he shares with Zubairu-to bring the U20 Africa Cup of Nations trophy back to Nigeria.
South Africa's Amajita clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nigeria's Flying Eagles in the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final at Suez Canal Stadium on Thursday, securing their spot in the 2025 final.
The semi-final line-up for the U20 AFCON has been confirmed, with Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt and South Africa securing their places after dramatic quarter-final encounters.
