Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured third place at the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout win over hosts Egypt, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

The encounter, played in Cairo, saw Egypt took an early lead just three minutes in through Omar Osama.

However, Nigeria responded in the second half when Divine Oliseh found the net to level the scores, pushing the game to a tense conclusion.

Despite dominating possession with 64% and firing 30 shots compared to Egypt’s eight, the Flying Eagles were unable to seal the match in normal time or extra-time.

The game proceeded to penalties, where the Nigerian side displayed composure and clinical finishing, converting four of their spot-kicks. Egypt, in contrast, managed only one successful attempt.

Statistically, Nigeria outclassed Egypt across the board — registering 10 shots on target to the North Africans’ three, and creating six clear goal-scoring opportunities against Egypt’s one.

The bronze medal marks a solid conclusion to the Flying Eagles’ campaign and a promising sign of depth and talent in Nigeria’s next generation of football stars.

The former Cameroon international died at the age of 68 on Friday, May 16, leaving behind a towering legacy that spanned two golden decades of African football.

African football has been dealt another heartbreaking blow with the passing of Emmanuel Kunde, one of the continent’s most iconic and revered defenders.

The former Cameroon international died at the age of 68 on Friday, May 16, leaving behind a towering legacy that spanned two golden decades of African football.

According to Yen, Kunde went to bed on the evening of Thursday, May 15, and tragically never woke up. His remains have been deposited at the Yaoundé Central Hospital mortuary, with further announcements expected from his family.

Tributes have since poured in from across the footballing world. Cameroon Football Federation President and global football icon, Samuel Eto’o, expressed his sorrow on Instagram, using tearful emojis to mourn the loss.

Eto’o posted, “I’m just learning of the demise of the Elder Emmanuel Jérôme Kundé, an iconic figure in Cameroonian football, who died at the age of 68. Oh the sadness! It is a certain value of our heritage that is thus cruelly taken away from us.

“I keep with him the memory of a discreet and affectionate man, a figure of moderation and consideration.

He was a fantastic footballer, the control tower in the midfield, the defensive wall the opponent crashed into but also a great playmaker when the team had possession.

Individually, it was a fine passer and a gun with phenomenal power and goldsmith precision.

“In fifteen years as a national team (127 selections), he took part in the two legendary epics of the Indomitable Lions in the World Cup (1982 and 1990), twice winner of the CAN (1984 and 1988).

His long career brought him to France (Laval, Reims) and Gabon (US Bitam) as a coach, even though it is in the Canon sportif de Yaoundé that his name and legend will remain associated forever, as a player and as a coach.

“Praying for the great football family to keep him in your thoughts and my deepest condolences to his nuclear family.”

Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana also reacted with shock, posting: “This is sad to hear.

What happened?” He described Kunde as a player whose intelligence and physical prowess on the pitch made him a nightmare for even the most lethal strikers.

Kunde’s name commands respect across generations — not only for his impressive list of achievements, but also for the commanding presence he brought to the game.

Renowned for his strength, tactical intelligence, and versatility, he excelled primarily as a central defender but was also effective in a defensive midfield role.

Kunde remains Cameroon’s fifth-most capped player and is also among the nation’s top 10 all-time goal scorers — a rare feat for a defender.

His knack for finding the back of the net, particularly from set-pieces, became one of the Indomitable Lions’ most potent weapons.

He was instrumental in Cameroon’s triumphs at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984 and 1988 and played key roles in the country’s appearances at the 1982 and 1990 FIFA World Cups.

The 1990 tournament saw Cameroon reach the quarter-finals — the first African team to do so — cementing Kunde’s status as a legend of the global game.

Kunde began his professional journey with Mbankomo FC before playing for clubs such as Canon Yaoundé, Tempête de Nanga-Eboko FC, Provenance, and Olympic Mvolyé.

Following his retirement from active football, he transitioned into coaching, taking charge of teams like PWD Bamenda, Canon Yaoundé, and US Bitam during two managerial spells.

Emmanuel Kunde’s death marks the end of an era, but his impact on African football will continue to inspire generations to come.

Nigeria’s hopes of winning the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations have come to an end following a narrow 1-0 defeat to South Africa’s Amajita in Thursday’s semifinal clash, held on May 15, 2025.

Led by coach Aliyu Zubairu, the Flying Eagles entered the contest on the back of a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Senegal in the quarterfinals—a win that also secured their qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. However, their AFCON journey fell short of the final hurdle.

The semifinal was a tense, tactical encounter, with both sides relying heavily on counter-attacking football. Despite dominating possession, the Flying Eagles struggled to convert their control into clear-cut chances, and the first half ended goalless.

The second half brought a major setback for Nigeria when 15-year-old goalkeeper Ebenezer Ifeanyi-Harcourt was forced off due to injury.

He was replaced in the 51st minute by Ajia Soliu Yakub.Yakub, however, was unable to prevent South Africa from breaking the deadlock.

In the 66th minute, Tylon Christopher Smith rose to meet a cross and headed home what would prove to be the match-winner.

The Nation