Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Kenya in their final Group B match.
Aliyu Zubairu’s side finished second in the group with five points from three games, two points behind Morocco, who sealed a top spot with a 3-1 victory over Tunisia at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia.
Despite twice falling behind, the seven-time champions showed grit and resilience to claw their way back, earning a crucial point that confirmed their progression.
Kenya’s Rising Stars started brightly and took the lead in the 5th minute when Kevin Wangaya converted from the penalty spot after a Nigerian defender was penalised for a handball in the box.
Nigeria responded swiftly. Seven minutes later, Kparobo Arierhi danced through the Kenyan defence and calmly slotted past the goalkeeper to restore parity.
However, the East Africans reclaimed the lead in the 68th minute when William capitalised on a lapse in Nigeria’s defence, smashing home from Lawrence’s dangerous in-swinging free kick.
The Flying Eagles found another equaliser five minutes later, this time through a composed penalty from captain Daniel Bameyi, after substitute Mendos Rickson was fouled inside the area.
The draw means Nigeria will now face the second-placed team from Group C in the quarter-finals on Monday. Group C comprises defending champions Senegal, Ghana, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Zubairu’s boys will remain in Ismailia and will aim to step up their performances as they pursue an eighth continental title.
