President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s Under-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, despite their 1-0 defeat to South Africa in the semifinals of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held on Thursday in Egypt.
In what many consider their most spirited performance of the tournament, the Flying Eagles dominated possession with 53% and registered 20 shots on goal. However, their attacking efforts were undone by a costly goalkeeper error that handed the Amajita a narrow victory and a ticket to the final.
The loss means Nigeria will not compete for the U-20 AFCON title this year, but the team’s overall performance secured them a place at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, a significant milestone that has drawn praise from the nation’s leader.
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Taking to his official social media platform shortly after the match, President Tinubu wrote: “I extend my congratulations to our U20 men’s football team, the Flying Eagles, for their impressive journey in the AFCON U20 2025 tournament in Egypt and for qualifying for the FIFA U20 World Cup set to take place later this year in Chile. Despite tonight’s semifinal loss, you have made Nigeria proud! Stay positive.”
Unlike the Super Eagles, who received a hero’s welcome and presidential reception after finishing second at the senior AFCON last year, the Flying Eagles may not enjoy similar fanfare. However, their journey isn’t over just yet. Coach Aliyu Zubairu and his boys will regroup and aim for a consolation victory in the third-place match as preparations begin for their next big stage, the World Cup.