Nigeria’s Flying Eagles clawed their way into the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Kenya’s Rising Stars on Wednesday in Cairo.
In a heart-stopping encounter packed with twists, the seven-time champions had to dig deep, twice coming from behind to avoid an embarrassing defeat at the hands of a spirited Kenyan side already eliminated from the competition.
The Flying Eagles, who needed at least a point to advance, looked rattled early when Kenya’s Kevin Wangaya buried a fifth-minute penalty after a Nigerian defender was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box.
But Nigeria hit back swiftly. Kparobo Arierhi weaved through defenders in the 12th minute before calmly finishing to restore parity.
Still, Kenya refused to lie down. According to Premium Times, William Otieno stunned the Nigerian defence with a smart finish from Lawrence Omondi’s set-piece in the 68th minute, again putting the East Africans ahead.
Just five minutes later, Nigeria responded through captain Daniel Bameyi, who converted from the spot after substitute Mendos Rickson was brought down in the box—ensuring Nigeria’s survival and passage into the last eight.
Despite finishing second in Group B with five points—two behind table-toppers Morocco who beat Tunisia 3-1—Nigeria’s earlier win and draw were enough to secure qualification.
Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu, who had earlier said, “One thing that’s common among the technical crew and the players is the desire to win… because of the little advantage that comes with topping the group,” will now lead his side to Ismailia for their quarterfinal showdown on Monday against the second-placed team in the fearsome Group C, which includes defending champions Senegal, arch-rivals Ghana, and the DR Congo.
