Nigeria's president Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a congratulatory message to the Flying Eagles following their 1-0 loss to South Africa in the semifinal of the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Flying Eagles produced what was arguably their best performance at the 2025 U-20 AFCON when they played against the Amajita in the semifinal of the competition.
Nigeria dominated the game from start to finish, as they had 53% possession and 20 goal attempts, but they failed to get the win after South Africa capitalized on a goalkeeper mistake and scored.
The result means that the Flying Eagles will not play in the final of the tournament. However, the consolation will be that they have qualified for the 2025 Under-20 FIFA World Cup.
Following their ouster, President Tinubu took to social media to congratulate the team.
“I congratulate our U20 men’s football team, the Flying Eagles, for their terrific run at the AFCON U20 2025 tournament in Egypt and qualifying for the FIFA U20 World Cup later this year in Chile,” Tinubu said.
“You did Nigeria proud despite tonight's semi-final loss! Keep your head up.
Unlike the Super Eagles who were hosted by the President after a second-place at the AFCON last year, it is unlikely that the Flying Eagles will be treated to a dinner.
However, they will not focus on winning their third-place game. Then, coach Aliyu Zubairu will look to prepare the team for the World Cup in Chile later this year.
I congratulate our U20 men’s football team, the Flying Eagles, for their terrific run at the AFCON U20 2025 tournament in Egypt and qualifying for the FIFA U20 World Cup later this year in Chile.
— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) May 15, 2025
You did Nigeria proud despite tonight's semi-final loss! Keep your head up.
~… pic.twitter.com/HKZ4mxSYkf
