Nigeria’s U-20 men’s football team, the Flying Eagles, secured their place in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup with a thrilling 3-1 penalty shootout victory over Senegal on May 11, 2025, following a 1-1 draw in the WAFU B U-20 Championship final in Lome, Togo. The hard-fought win capped a resilient tournament run, earning Nigeria their ninth WAFU B title and a ticket to the global youth showcase in Chile.
The final was a tense affair, with both teams displaying tactical discipline and physicality. Senegal took the lead in the 32nd minute through a well-executed header from striker Mamadou Diallo, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. Nigeria responded in the second half, with forward Kparobo Arierhi equalizing in the 67th minute after a precise through-ball from midfielder Daniel Bameyi.
The goal sparked a surge of momentum, but neither side could find a winner in regulation time, leading to a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Dominion Ohaka emerged as the hero, saving two of Senegal’s four attempts, while Nigeria converted three of their shots, with Arierhi, Bameyi, and Clinton Anih scoring decisively.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s squad overcame early tournament challenges, including a 1-0 group stage loss to Burkina Faso, to reach the final. Their semifinal victory over Niger Republic, a 2-0 win with goals from Arierhi and Nasiru Abdul, showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. The team’s preparation, bolstered by a month-long training camp in Abuja, emphasized set-piece execution and penalty practice, which proved crucial in the final. Zubairu praised the players’ mental toughness, noting that their ability to stay composed under pressure was key to overcoming Senegal, a side ranked among Africa’s top youth teams.