Nigeria’s U20 national team, the Flying Eagles, secured a confidence-boosting 2-1 victory over Egypt’s Young Pharaohs in a pre-Africa U20 Cup of Nations friendly match at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday, Footynaija.com reports.

Striker Kparobo Arierhi opened the scoring in the 10th minute, capitalising on a well-weighted pass from Bidemi Amole.

Arierhi, who netted three times in Nigeria’s successful title defence at the WAFU B U20 Championship in October — including a brace in the final against Ghana — looked sharp from the outset.

Egypt equalised in the 65th minute through Ahmed Kaabaka, but Nigeria continued to press and were rewarded late on. In the 83rd minute, midfielder Precious Benjamin calmly converted from the penalty spot after Divine Oliseh was fouled in the area.

The win comes just 48 hours after Nigeria’s arrival in Cairo for the 17th Africa U20 Cup of Nations, which kicks off on Sunday. The Flying Eagles, led by head coach Aliyu Zubairu, face Tunisia in their Group B opener next Thursday, followed by clashes with Morocco and Kenya.

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Hosts Egypt, who top Group A, begin their campaign against South Africa on Sunday and will face Sierra Leone, Zambia, and Tanzania in the group stage.

Nigeria must reach the semifinals to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.

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