NIGERIA’s U20 men’s football team, the Flying Eagles, secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a 2-2 draw with Kenya’s Rising Stars on Wednesday in Cairo.
The match, which marked the Flying Eagles’ historic 100th appearance in the tournament’s history, was a tense affair that saw the seven-time champions come from behind twice to avoid an upset against the determined East Africans.
With this result, Nigeria finished second in Group B with five points, two behind group leaders Morocco, who defeated Tunisia 3-1 in the group’s other final fixture.
Despite the draw, the Flying Eagles booked their place in the quarterfinals thanks to earlier performances that included a win and a draw in their opening two matches.
They will now travel to Ismailia, where they are set to face the second-placed team in Group C on Monday.
That group includes defending champions Senegal, long-time rivals Ghana, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The final group clash against Kenya was more than just a qualifying game—it was a landmark moment for Nigerian football. It marked the country’s 100th match in the history of the Africa U20 Cup of Nations, underscoring its long-standing commitment and success at the youth level.
Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu had emphasised the importance of the game in the build-up, stating the team’s desire to not only qualify but to top the group and avoid the need to relocate from Cairo.
“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,” Zubairu said during a pre-match press conference.
