Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured a place in the quarterfinals of the ongoing CAF U20 Championship in Egypt, following a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Kenya’s Rising Stars in their final Group B match on Wednesday.
The result sees Nigeria finish second in Group B with five points, two behind group leaders Morocco, who defeated Tunisia 3-1 in the other group fixture. Morocco will remain in Cairo for their quarterfinal clash with the runners-up from Group A, which features hosts Egypt, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Zambia, and Tanzania.
Football made easy. Pitch 2 for Ikenne dun see this kind goal tire.
Intelligent striker. Kparobo Arierhi 🔥🥰#U20AFCON pic.twitter.com/YodEtxplL9
— MikeThePundit (@Mike_ThePundit) May 7, 2025
Seven-time champions Nigeria, meanwhile, will head to Ismailia for their quarterfinal fixture on Monday, where they will face the second-placed team from Group C. Group C includes reigning champions Senegal, archrivals Ghana, Central African Republic, and DR Congo.
The Flying Eagles had to dig deep against a spirited Kenyan side, coming from behind twice to rescue the draw. Kenya took the lead just five minutes in, when Kevin Wangaya converted a penalty after a Nigerian defender handled the ball in the area.
Nigeria responded in the 12th minute, as Kparobo Arierhi danced through the Kenyan defense before slotting home with composure.
The Rising Stars regained the lead in the 68th minute when William smashed in a loose ball from Lawrence’s in-swinging free kick, catching the Nigerian defense flat-footed.
But the Flying Eagles leveled again five minutes later. Substitute Mendos Rickson was fouled in the box, and captain Daniel Bameyi coolly dispatched the resulting penalty to make it 2-2.
Nigeria’s quarterfinal match will be the first of the knockout stage, kicking off at 1:00 PM Nigeria time in Ismailia.
