Nigeria twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with Kenya in their final Group B fixture at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations( AFCON) in Egypt — a result that secures the Flying Eagles a place in the quarter-finals.
Aliyu Zubairu’s side knew a point would be enough to seal progression, but they were made to work hard for it by a lively Kenyan outfit that refused to back down.
Just six minutes in, Nigeria centre-back Chukwu was penalised after VAR spotted a handball in the box. Kenyan skipper Kévin Wangaya made no mistake from the spot, sending goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt the wrong way.
That early setback ended Nigeria’s run of clean sheets, but the response was immediate. Seven minutes later, Cletus slipped a clever through ball into the path of Arierhi, who coolly rounded the goalkeeper and tucked home the equaliser.
Nigeria began to take control, and Arierhi came close to grabbing a second with a powerful header, only for Kenya’s Wycliford Oduor to produce a fine save. The Flying Eagles looked the more likely to score next, but Kenya showed flashes of quality going forward — Aldrine Kibet forcing a full-stretch save from Harcourt with a long-range effort.
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In the 67th minute, the East Africans struck again. A pinpoint free-kick from Humphrey Obina was met by William Gitama Mwangi, who powered a stunning header off the underside of the bar to restore Kenya’s lead.
Danie Bameyi. Photo Credit: Getty Images
But their joy was short-lived. Just five minutes later, Nigerian substitute Rickson was felled in the box, and referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Bameyi stepped up and calmly sent Oduor the wrong way to make it 2-2.
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Both sides had chances to win it late on, but neither could find the finishing touch.The draw means Nigeria finish second in Group B with 5 points, just behind Morocco, who sealed top spot with a 3-1 win over Tunisia.
The Flying Eagles will now turn their focus to the quarter-finals, where they are set to face the runners-up of Group C — a spot that could be filled by either DR Congo, Ghana, or Senegal, depending on the final group results.
