U20 AFCON: Flying Eagles Show Resilience in 2-2 Draw Against Kenya
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles came from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw with Kenya in their final Group B match at the ongoing U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Goals from Kparobo Arierhi and captain Daniel Bameyi helped Nigeria fight back in a tense encounter at the Suez Canal Stadium. The result sees Nigeria finish second in Group B, behind Morocco, who beat Tunisia 3-1.
Flying Eagles Start Slow, But Fight Back
Coach Aliyu Zubairu made three changes from the team that played Morocco, starting Simon Cletus, Kparobo Arierhi, and Ezekiel Kpangu. But the Flying Eagles found themselves behind early, as Kenya took the lead in the 6th minute through a penalty by captain Kevin Wangaya. The spot-kick was awarded after VAR spotted a handball by Nigerian defender Chukwu.
Nigeria responded quickly. In the 13th minute, Cletus played a lovely through-ball to Arierhi, who rounded the goalkeeper and calmly finished to level the score. The Flying Eagles continued to press, with Arierhi and Jephta coming close, but couldn’t add another before the break.
Second Half Drama
Nigeria came out strong in the second half. Ayuma went close with a powerful shot, while Arierhi failed to convert a good chance. Kenya, however, regained the lead in the 67th minute through William Gitama Mwangi, who smashed in a stunning finish off the crossbar from a free-kick.
But the Flying Eagles struck back again. Substitute Rickson Mendos was fouled in the box, and captain Bameyi made no mistake from the spot, making it 2-2 in the 72nd minute.
Divine Oliseh came off the bench and nearly won it late on, but fired over the bar from close range after a pass from Arierhi.
Kenya Make History, Nigeria Look Ahead
The draw marks Kenya’s first-ever point in U20 AFCON history, and they celebrated at the final whistle. Nigeria, though disappointed not to win, advance to the quarter-finals as Group B runners-up.
They will now face the second-placed team in Group C, which includes DR Congo, Ghana, Senegal, and Central African Republic. The final round of group matches on May 8 will decide Nigeria’s next opponent.
