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Flying Eagles finish second: Five things we learned from Nigeria’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Kenya

2 weeks ago
by naijaonpoint
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Nigeria’s U20 side were pushed to the limit by a spirited Kenyan team in a pulsating 2-2 draw that saw the Flying Eagles twice come from behind to secure a point in their final Group B fixture at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Footynaija.com reports.

Goals from Kparobo Arierhi and captain Daniel Bameyi helped Nigeria salvage the draw after Kenya struck through Kevin Wangaya’s early penalty and a thunderous finish from William Gitama Mwangi.

While Nigeria progressed to the quarter-finals as group runners-up behind Morocco, the result leaves plenty to ponder for coach Aliyu Zubairu ahead of the knockout phase. Here are five key takeaways from the match:

1. Arierhi offers spark but Nigeria lack ruthlessness

Kparobo Arierhi justified his return to the starting line-up with a fine first-half performance. His composure to round the goalkeeper for Nigeria’s first equaliser showcased his quality, while his off-the-ball movement constantly troubled Kenya’s backline.

But beyond Arierhi, Nigeria lacked a clinical edge. The Flying Eagles dominated possession and created promising openings, but failed to convert them into goals. Divine Oliseh’s late miss from close range was emblematic of a side not quite firing in the final third. In tournament football, fine margins matter — and Nigeria must sharpen up quickly.

2. Set-piece fragility a growing concern

After keeping two clean sheets in their opening games, Nigeria conceded twice from dead-ball situations against Kenya — a penalty and a brilliantly executed free-kick.

The lapse in concentration that led to Emmanuel Chukwu’s handball and Odinaka Okoro‘s failure to track his man for the second goal are red flags. For a team with championship-winning ambitions, defensive discipline on set-pieces is non-negotiable. Expect this to be a major area of focus in training ahead of the quarter-finals.


3. Captain Bameyi leads by example – again

Daniel Bameyi continues to underline why he wears the armband. The left-sided centre-back was alert to danger, making a vital interception in the second half to stop a near-certain goal before stepping up to convert the pressure penalty that earned Nigeria a point.

His leadership, composure, and positional awareness have been vital throughout the group stage, and he’ll be key to holding together a backline that’s beginning to show cracks under pressure.

4. Zubairu’s tactical flexibility on show

Credit must go to head coach Aliyu Zubairu for making bold in-game decisions. The introduction of Rickson Mendos and Olamilekan Alabi provided energy at a crucial juncture, with Rickson winning the penalty that led to Nigeria’s equaliser.

Zubairu’s tactical switch to a more aggressive shape in the second half also enabled Nigeria to sustain attacking pressure. While the end product wasn’t always there, the intent and adaptability from the bench suggest a coach willing to read the game and act decisively.

5. Kenya’s evolution highlights Nigeria’s need for urgency

This was a historic night for Kenya’s Rising Stars — their first-ever point at a U20 AFCON — and it was fully deserved. Their aggressive pressing, tight midfield structure, and belief were evident throughout.

For Nigeria, the draw should be a wake-up call. There will be no easy fixtures from here. The gap between traditional powerhouses and emerging sides is closing fast. The Flying Eagles must now find greater urgency, purpose, and discipline if they hope to challenge for the title in Egypt.

What’s next?

Nigeria now face the runners-up in Group C in the quarter-finals — a group where DR Congo, Ghana, Senegal, and Central African Republic are still in the mix.

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