Nigeria’s Flying Eagles demonstrated grit and determination, coming from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw against Kenya in their final Group B match of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations held at the Suez Canal Stadium in Egypt. Goals from Kparobo Arierhi and captain Daniel Bameyi salvaged a crucial point for Nigeria, ensuring they finished second in Group B behind Morocco, who defeated Tunisia 3-1.
The match saw Kenya take the lead early on through a sixth-minute penalty converted by captain Kevin Wangaya after VAR spotted a handball by Nigerian defender Chukwu. Nigeria responded swiftly in the 13th minute when Cletus threaded a perfect pass to Arierhi, who rounded the goalkeeper to equalise. Despite continued pressure, the Flying Eagles couldn’t capitalise before halftime.
Kenya regained the lead in the 67th minute through William Gitama Mwangi’s spectacular free-kick that thundered off the crossbar and into the net. Nigeria, however, found their way back again after substitute Rickson Mendos was fouled in the box. Captain Daniel Bameyi stepped up to convert the penalty, levelling the score at 2-2 in the 72nd minute.
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The draw marked Kenya’s first-ever point in U20 AFCON history, while Nigeria advanced to the quarter-finals as Group B runners-up. They are set to face the second-placed team from Group C, which includes DR Congo, Ghana, Senegal, and the Central African Republic.
Editorial
The Flying Eagles’ 2-2 draw against Kenya was a testament to resilience, but also a reminder of vulnerability. Nigeria’s ability to claw back from behind twice shows character, yet their defensive lapses raise concerns as the tournament progresses. For a team with ambitions of continental glory, slow starts and unforced errors must be swiftly addressed.
However, there’s plenty of promise. Arierhi’s composure in front of goal and Bameyi’s leadership under pressure suggest that this team possesses the mental strength to push deeper into the competition. Against stronger opposition, though, such lapses could prove costly.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu will need to tighten the defence and inject more creativity in the final third if Nigeria is to live up to its status as one of Africa’s U20 powerhouses. The quarterfinals await, and with it, the chance to prove that this resilience is more than just a one-off display.
Did You Know?
- Kenya’s 2-2 draw with Nigeria marks their first-ever point in U20 AFCON history, having previously lost all their matches in the competition.
- Captain Daniel Bameyi has now scored three penalties for Nigeria in U20 AFCON competitions, cementing his reliability from the spot.
- Kparobo Arierhi’s goal was his second of the tournament, making him one of Nigeria’s key attacking threats in the group stage.
- The Flying Eagles have won the U20 AFCON seven times, more than any other nation in the competition’s history.
- Nigeria’s quarterfinal opponent will come from Group C, which includes three former U20 AFCON champions: Ghana, Senegal, and DR Congo.
