The Flying Eagles of Nigeria’s quest for an eighth U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title ended on Thursday with a 1-0 defeat to South Africa in Suez, Egypt.
After a goalless first half, the South Africans struck midway into the second period to earn passage to the final.
Tylon Smith headed past a stranded Flying Eagles goalkeeper Ajia Yakub, who had replaced the injured Ebenezer Harcourt, in the 66th minute to send his side to the final.
The Flying Eagles made several attempts to level the game but were thwarted by the South Africa goalkeeper with some excellent saves.
It is the first U-20 AFCON final for South Africa in 28 years, while the Flying Eagles will now be looking to earn bronze for a second time in a row.
South Africa will face either Morocco or hosts Egypt in the final, with the Flying Eagles playing the losers of the second semi-final in the third-place match
