Nigeria’s Flying Eagles Soar into Quarter-Finals with Thrilling Draw Against Kenya

In a heart-stopping match at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured a spot in the quarter-finals with a 2-2 draw against Kenya. The team, led by coach Aliyu Zubairu, finished second in Group B with five points from three games, setting the stage for an exciting knockout phase.

The match got off to a dramatic start, with Kenya taking the lead just six minutes in. A handball by Nigeria’s Emmanuel Chukwu inside the box led to a penalty kick, which Captain Kevin Wangaya Colly coolly converted to give the Rising Stars an early advantage. However, the Flying Eagles were quick to respond, with Lillestrøm striker Kparobo Arierhi equalizing just seven minutes later after being put through on goal by Simon Cletus.

Despite dominating the second half, Nigeria struggled to test the Kenyan goalkeeper, allowing Kenya to take the lead once again through substitute William Nwangi on 68 minutes. But the Flying Eagles refused to give up, and Daniel Bameyi’s successful penalty kick in the dying minutes of the game ensured a share of the spoils. The Atlas Cubs of Morocco topped Group B with seven points, following their 3-1 win over Tunisia at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia.

This thrilling draw sets the stage for an intense quarter-final matchup, with the Flying Eagles looking to build on their momentum. With their place in the next round secured, coach Zubairu’s team will be eager to make a deep run in the tournament. The 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations continues to deliver exciting matches, and fans from across the continent will be eagerly anticipating the next round of fixtures. As the competition heats up, one thing is clear: the Flying Eagles are ready to take on the best of African football.