Nigeria's Flying Eagles suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to South Africa's Amajita in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations on Thursday, with head coach Aliyu Zubairu taking full responsibility for the loss.

The Nigerian side dominated possession throughout the match but failed to convert their chances, ultimately conceding the decisive goal in the 66th minute when Tylon Smith headed home for South Africa.

"I take full responsibility for our failure to reach the final. As head coach, the blame rests on me," Zubairu told reporters during his post-match press conference.

The coach has now announced plans for a significant squad overhaul ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, stating that the continental tournament has helped identify players who are ready for international competition and those who fall short of the required standard.

"This tournament has helped us identify the players capable of stepping up to the next level and those who are not," Zubairu explained. "After our WAFU B success, we dropped many players because their quality wasn't sufficient for the continental stage. A similar review will happen again."

He added emphatically: "It's clear that some of the current squad members aren't ready for the demands of a World Cup."

Despite the disappointment of missing out on the final, the Flying Eagles still have a chance to secure a bronze medal when they face tournament hosts Egypt in the third-place playoff scheduled for Sunday.

Meanwhile, South Africa will face Morocco in the final of the 2025 U-20 AFCON, with both teams having already secured their qualification for the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup alongside Nigeria and Egypt.