Flying Eagles of Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the final of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations were dashed on Thursday evening as they suffered a narrow 1–0 defeat to Amajitas of South Africa at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia.
Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession and creating a flurry of chances, the Flying Eagles were undone by a second-half header from South Africa’s Smith Tylon in a match that will leave Nigerian fans ruing missed opportunities.
Flying Eagles dominated the opening 45 minutes with high pressing and purposeful attacking play that forced South Africa onto the back foot.
Their intensity was evident early on when a 17th-minute corner struck the crossbar and went out of play, much to the relief of the South African defence.
Kparobo Arierhi was at the heart of most of Nigeria’s attacking moves. He had multiple chances in the first half, including a half-volley that flew into the side netting on the half-hour mark and another effort minutes later that failed to hit the target after a clever ball through midfield.
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Nigeria’s best chance of the opening period came in the 32nd minute when a low drive forced a save from South African goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe, who reacted quickly to deny Emmanuel Ojukwu on the rebound.
The Flying Eagles continued to press, but the breakthrough eluded them, and the sides went into the break goalless.
South Africa regrouped after the break and began to find their rhythm. Their breakthrough came on the hour mark, when Smith Tylon rose highest in the box to nod home a powerful header past substitute goalkeeper Yakub Ajia — who had replaced first-choice shot-stopper Ebenezer Harcourt after he was forced off with a knock. Ajia’s hesitation in dealing with the cross proved costly.
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However, Nigeria’s finishing continued to let them down. Adamu Maigari spurned a golden opportunity when he found himself with a clear sight of goal but blasted over.
In the closing stages, Flying Eagles threw everything forward. Precious Benjamin floated a dangerous ball into the area for Ayuma, whose header looked destined for the top corner before Fletcher Lowe made a stunning save to preserve South Africa’s lead.
It was a frustrating end for the Flying Eagles, who had shown so much promise throughout the tournament. They will now shift their focus to the third-place playoff, as well as preparing for the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup.
South Africa, meanwhile, march on to the final, where they will face either Egypt or Morocco in the title decider.
