Nigeria’s U20 national team secured a place in the quarterfinals of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations following a 2-2 draw with Kenya at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday.
The Flying Eagles finished second in Group B with five points, thanks to Morocco’s 3-1 victory over Tunisia in the other group fixture. Kenya, meanwhile, exited the competition with just one point.
Despite being already eliminated before kick-off, Kenya twice took the lead in a spirited display. Kevin Injehu opened the scoring in the sixth minute from the penalty spot after a VAR review penalised Emmanuel Chukwu for handball.
Nigeria hit back seven minutes later through Kparobo Arierhi, who finished off a slick move initiated by Simon Cletus.
Kenya regained the lead in the 68th minute when William Gitama netted from a set-piece, but Nigeria responded quickly. Captain Daniel Bameyi converted a penalty in the 73rd minute after Rickson Mendos was fouled in the box.
Nigeria applied late pressure with chances falling to Divine Oliseh and Tahir Maigana, but Kenya’s defence held on.
With Morocco topping the group on seven points and Nigeria second with five, the Flying Eagles will now face a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the quarterfinals.
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