Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong heaped praise on the Flying Eagles for progressing to the quarter-finals of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Aliyu Zubairu’s team played to an exciting 2-2 draw against Kenya in their final group match, marking their 100th appearance in the competition.
The Flying Eagles previously secured a 1-0 victory over Tunisia and held Morocco to a goalless draw before this latest match in Cairo against the Rising Stars.
Kenya took an early lead with a penalty from Kevin Injehu, awarded after Emmanuel Chukwu handled the ball. Nigeria quickly equalised when Kparobo Arierhi scored from close range following sharp play from Simon Cletus.
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Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt made crucial saves, keeping Nigeria level with two outstanding stops from Aldrine Kibet. In the second half, William Gitama restored Kenya’s lead, but Daniel Bameyi equalised for Nigeria just four minutes later with a penalty awarded for a foul on Rickson Mendos.
In solidarity and support, the Super Eagles captain took to his official Snapchat, congratulated the Flying Eagles and urged the players to continue to make Nigeria proud.
“The boys are ready. Continue pushing. You boys are making us proud! We dey together!” the former Watford and Udinese defender told the players in a short video message
However, having scored only three goals in three games, they will need to improve their attacking sharpness when they face Senegal at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia on Monday.
The Flying Eagles have now reached the quarter-finals in ten of their last twelve appearances and remain unbeaten in Egypt.
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Meanwhile, the eternal rivals of Nigeria, Ghana, secured a 1-0 win over the Central African Republic to top the group with seven points. That result ensured they avoided a potential clash with seven-time champions in the next round.
