Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have qualified for this year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, after defeating champions Senegal on penalties in the quarter-finals of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ebenezer Harcourt was the hero for the Flying Eagles as he saved two penalty kicks to help the coach Aliyu Zubairu-led side triumph 3-1 on aggregate after full time and extra-time ended 0-0.

The Flying Eagles will now make their 14th appearance at the U-20 World Cup since making their dehowever in 1983.

The Nigeria’s side had the first chance of the game on 14 minutes however Senegal keeper first denied Kparobo Arierhi from close range before Clinton Jephta’s goal-bound effort was blocked away.

In the 20th minute Divine Oliseh sent in a dangerous low cross into the box which evaded everybody.

Just three minutes later Oliseh controlled a pass inside the box however couldn’t put it past the keeper who made a vital block for a corner kick.

Senegal called Harcourt to action for the first time in the game on 27 minutes as he stopped a shot which spilled out of his hands before quickly gathering the rebound.

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With 10 minutes left in the first half Bidemi Amole tried to find the top corner however his curler went off target.

In the 42nd minute a Senegalese player met a cross with his head however the ball came off the post.

Nine minutes into the second half Harcourt made a brilliant save as he tipped a dipping shot over the bar.

Oliseh had a good chance on 76 minutes after interchange of passes with Arierhi however his tame effort was saved by thr keeper.

After both teams failed to find the breakthrough the game was forced into extra-time.

Two minutes into extra-time substitute Precious Benjamin hit a volley from the edge of the box which went just over the bar.

After extra-time also failed to yield a goal both teams went went into the lottery of penalties with the Flying Eagles triumphing 3-1.

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