Kparobo Arierhi Named Among AFCON U20 Stars to Watch

Flying Eagles striker Kparobo Arierhi has been singled out by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as one of the standout young players to watch at the ongoing 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. With Nigeria seeking to reclaim its status as a youth football powerhouse, Arierhi’s sharp eye for goal and composed finishing are central to the team’s ambitions.

Arierhi first rose to prominence at the WAFU U-20 Championship, where he netted twice in the final, helping Nigeria to lift the regional title. His dominance at that level was no fluke he had already lit up The Creative Championship League with 22 goals in just 15 appearances last season, establishing himself as a deadly forward.

CAF’s official online platform listed Arierhi among five young African stars likely to shape the outcome of the tournament. Joining him are Ghana’s Jerry Afriyie, South Africa’s Jody Ah Shene, Egypt’s Mohamed Zaalouk, and Senegal’s Pierre Dorival. Each has impressed with their technical abilities and maturity beyond their years.

Arierhi’s intelligent movement in the box and poise under pressure have made him Nigeria’s focal point in attack. With seven previous titles to their name, the Flying Eagles are determined to extend their legacy in youth football. And with scouts from Europe’s top clubs closely watching the tournament, the stage is set for Arierhi to elevate his status even further.

Editorial

Kparobo Arierhi’s inclusion in CAF’s rising stars list is not only a personal achievement it’s a clear signal of Nigeria’s enduring strength in youth football. For a nation that has produced the likes of Kanu Nwankwo, Mikel Obi, and Victor Osimhen through its youth ranks, Arierhi’s rise feels like the continuation of a proud tradition.

We see in Arierhi more than just statistics. Yes, 22 goals in 15 matches is jaw-dropping. But it’s the consistency, the hunger, and the calm execution under pressure that truly set him apart. At a time when Nigeria is rebuilding its senior squad with youth at the core, players like Arierhi are the ideal bridge between promise and performance.

But this recognition also comes with responsibility. Too often, Nigerian talents dazzle on the continental stage only to fade into obscurity due to poor career choices or lack of support. We urge the Nigeria Football Federation and local stakeholders to create a pathway that nurtures Arierhi’s growth beyond this tournament. His development should be carefully guided, not left to the unpredictability of the transfer market.

This is a defining moment for both the player and the team. As the Flying Eagles pursue an eighth continental crown, their hopes rest on players like Arierhi—those who combine instinct with discipline, and flair with fight. If he stays grounded and focused, this young striker could be the next big name in Nigerian football.

Did You Know?

1. Nigeria holds the record for the most U-20 AFCON titles, with seven championships.
2. The Creative Championship League, where Arierhi starred, is an independent youth development platform established in Lagos in 2020.
3. Kparobo Arierhi is a graduate of the Box2Box Football Academy, one of the fastest-growing academies in Nigeria.
4. The FIFA U-20 World Cup has served as a launchpad for many global stars, including Lionel Messi and Paul Pogba.
5. Egypt, hosts of the 2025 U-20 AFCON, last won the tournament in 2003 when they also hosted it.