Nigeria qualifies for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 after victory against Senegal in a penalty shootout

The Flying Eagles, Nigeria’s U-20 men’s national team, defeated Senegal 3-1 on penalties following a tight goalless draw in regulation and extra time to earn a spot in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile 2025.

Following 120 minutes of football play in a fiercely contested match, neither team was able to break the tie. Although both Senegal and Nigeria displayed moments of genius, they were ultimately shut down by disciplined midfield play and tenacious defense. Despite multiple close attempts, the game ended in a draw, forcing the crucial match to go to penalty shootout.

Nigeria stepped up to the plate with cool precision when the time came. With calm and firm finishes, the Flying Eagles converted three of their spot kicks, and the hero was goalie Destiny Harcourt. The Teranga Cubs’ third penalty struck the crossbar after Harcourt produced two outstanding stops to deny the Senegalese, giving Nigeria a well-earned 3-1 shootout victory.

The outcome confirms Nigeria’s standing as a dominant force in youth football and advances the country to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. In order to build on their illustrious U-20 record—which includes two runner-up finishes and numerous semifinal appearances—the Flying Eagles will now be ready to represent Africa on the international scene.