Flying Eagles Beat Egypt 2-1 in Friendly Ahead of U20 AFCON
Nigeria’s U20 team, the Flying Eagles, defeated Egypt’s U20 side 2-1 in a friendly match on Tuesday at the Cairo International Stadium, ahead of the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.
Kparobo Arierhi gave Nigeria the lead in the 10th minute after receiving a fine pass from Bidemi Amole. Arierhi was one of the stars of Nigeria’s WAFU B U20 Championship win in Lome last October, where he scored three goals, including two in the final against Ghana.
Egypt equalised in the 65th minute through Ahmed Kaabaka, but Nigeria regained the lead in the 83rd minute when Precious Benjamin scored from the penalty spot. The penalty came after Divine Oliseh was fouled in the box.
The win is a big boost for Nigeria, who arrived in Egypt less than two days before the match. The Flying Eagles are preparing for the 17th Africa U20 Cup of Nations, which starts on Sunday.
Nigeria, seven-time champions, are in Group B, and will play their first match against Tunisia next Thursday. They will also face Morocco and Kenya in the group stage.
Hosts Egypt are in Group A, and will play their first match against South Africa on Sunday, followed by games against Sierra Leone on 30th April, Zambia on 3rd May, and Tanzania on 9th May.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s Flying Eagles qualified for the tournament after winning the WAFU Zone B title in Togo. They overcame early struggles to beat Ghana 2-1 in the final.
Reaching the semifinals of the Africa U20 Cup of Nations will secure Nigeria a place at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
