Nigeria's Flying Eagles have secured qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup after defeating Senegal 3-1 on penalties in their quarter-final match at the ongoing 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

The team, coached by Aliyu Zubairu, produced a determined performance in the match played on Monday, with goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt emerging as the hero after making two crucial saves during the penalty shootout.

Following this significant achievement, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau has challenged the team to aim higher by winning the continental trophy.

"The ticket to the World Cup was the first objective and we have achieved that. The second objective is to win the trophy, and after congratulating the team for their effort, I have reminded them that the country is waiting for them to bring the trophy back home," Gusau told thenff.com.

With this victory, the Flying Eagles have advanced to the semi-finals of the tournament where they will face either South Africa or the Democratic Republic of Congo, who were scheduled to play their quarter-final match on Monday night.

The qualification marks an important milestone for Nigerian football, as the Flying Eagles continue their quest to add another continental title to Nigeria's collection while preparing to represent Africa on the global stage at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.