🇳🇬 By IDNN Naija Sports Desk
CAIRO – Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have punched their ticket to the quarterfinals of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, following a gutsy 2-2 draw against Kenya at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.
Despite falling behind twice, the Nigerians responded with authority, showcasing grit and tactical clarity under new head coach Aliyu Zubairu.
⚽ Match Recap: Twice Behind, But Never Broken
Kenya, already out of contention before kickoff, struck first through Kevin Injehu, who converted a penalty in the 6th minute after a VAR-confirmed handball by Emmanuel Chukwu.
Nigeria responded seven minutes later as Kparobo Arierhi latched onto a beautiful through ball from Simon Cletus and slotted home the equalizer.
Kenya shocked again in the second half when William Gitama finished off a slick set piece in the 68th minute, but once again Nigeria rallied.
Captain Daniel Bameyi equalized from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute after Rickson Mendos was brought down in the box.
🧮 Final Group B Standings:
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇲🇦 Morocco | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 7 |
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| 🇹🇳 Tunisia | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| 🇰🇪 Kenya | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 1 |
🔍 Tactical Takeaways & Player Highlights
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Aliyu Zubairu’s coaching impact is already visible: stronger midfield transitions and better positional discipline
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Bameyi’s leadership continues to anchor the team, both defensively and in set pieces
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Arierhi is emerging as Nigeria’s most dangerous forward in the tournament
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Divine Oliseh & Maigana added urgency late on and nearly found the winner
🎙️ Post-Match Reactions
Aliyu Zubairu, post-match:
“This group is learning fast, and more importantly, they’re not afraid of setbacks. Kenya came hard at us, but our response shows the mentality we’re building.”
Bameyi, on the team’s performance:
“We came here to win this tournament. We’re in the next round, and we’re only going to get better.”
🔜 Quarterfinal Next: Eyes on Group C Runner-up
Nigeria will now face the Group C runner-up on May 11, with venue and kickoff time to be confirmed. It’s expected to be a tough matchup, likely against either Senegal or DR Congo.
For Aliyu Zubairu and his young Eagles, this is both a test of belief and a chance to rebuild Nigeria’s U20 legacy on the continental stage.
✅ Final Verdict – IDNN’s Take
The Flying Eagles showed heart, resilience, and flashes of tactical brilliance. With Zubairu at the helm and Bameyi leading from the back, Nigeria’s U20s are not just surviving the group—they’re growing into serious contenders.
This is a new era, and it’s just beginning.