Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, have advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a 2-2 draw against Kenya at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.
This result ensures Nigeria’s progression as the second-placed team in Group B, accumulating five points from one win and two draws while Tunisia top the group with 7 points.
Despite Kenya being eliminated prior to the match, they presented a formidable challenge. The East Africans took an early lead in the 6th minute when Kevin Wangaya Injehu converted a penalty awarded after a VAR review confirmed a handball by Emmanuel Chukwu.
Nigeria responded promptly, equalizing in the 13th minute through Kparobo Arierhi, who finished a precise through ball from Simon Cletus.
In the second half, Kenya regained the lead in the 68th minute via a free-kick situation, with William Gitamu finding the net. However, Nigeria leveled the score again in the 73rd minute when captain Daniel Bameyi successfully converted a penalty after Rickson Mendos was fouled in the box.
The draw marks Nigeria’s eighth unbeaten group stage finish in U-20 AFCON history and their ninth consecutive advancement to the knockout stages.
In the other Group B match, Morocco defeated Tunisia 3-1, securing the top spot with seven points. Nigeria’s quarterfinal opponent will be the runner-up from Group C, which includes Ghana, DR Congo, Senegal, and the Central African Republic.
The semi-finalists of the tournament will automatically qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.