The Flying Eagles of Nigeria are through to the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations after a tense 2-2 draw with a fearless Kenyan side at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday night.
The result, combined with Morocco’s 3-1 victory over Tunisia in the other Group B fixture, ensures Nigeria progresses as group runners-up with five points. Morocco tops the group with seven points, while Tunisia and Kenya exit the competition with three and one point, respectively.
Though Kenya was already mathematically eliminated going into the game, they played with passion and purpose, giving Nigeria one of their toughest tests of the tournament so far.
Early Drama and Quick Responses
The game sparked into life in just the 6th minute when Kevin Injehu confidently converted a penalty for Kenya after VAR ruled Emmanuel Chukwu handled the ball inside the box. It was the first goal conceded by the Flying Eagles in the tournament.
But Nigeria’s response was swift and composed. Seven minutes later, Kparobo Arierhi slotted home a neat finish in the 13th minute after being played through by Simon Cletus. The equalizer restored confidence in the Nigerian camp but did little to suppress Kenya’s attacking intent.
Second-Half Surprises and a Captain’s Calm
Kenya struck again in the 68th minute, this time from a well-executed set piece. Substitute William Gitama ghosted in unmarked to put the East Africans ahead once more, stunning the Nigerian bench and throwing Group B into temporary chaos.
However, the Flying Eagles once again dug deep. Just five minutes later, Captain Daniel Bameyi showed nerves of steel to level the match at 2-2 from the penalty spot after Rickson Mendos was fouled in the area by Lawrence Ouma.
Nigeria pushed hard for a winner in the closing stages, with Divine Oliseh and Tahir Maigana both going close, but Kenya held firm to earn a respectable point in their final group match.
Though Kenya are heading home, they earned admiration for their fearless football and ability to find the net in all three group fixtures. For Nigeria, the focus now shifts to the quarterfinals as they await their next opponents.
