Nigeria’s U-20 men’s national team, the Flying Eagles, have departed Cairo for Ismailia ahead of their quarter-final clash at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Soccernet.ng reports.
The record seven-time champions sealed their place in the last eight after a gritty 2-2 draw against Kenya in their final Group B fixture, a game that also was their 100th match in the competition’s history.
The result saw Nigeria finish second in the group with five points, trailing leaders Morocco, who ended with seven following a 3-1 win over Tunisia.
Nigeria began the tournament with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tunisia and then drew 0-0 with Morocco before the dramatic contest against Kenya at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo.
In Wednesday’s thriller, Kenya stunned the Flying Eagles early when Kevin Injehu converted a sixth-minute penalty after a handball by Emmanuel Chukwu.
Nigeria responded swiftly as Kparobo Arierhi slotted home from close range in the 13th minute after good work by Simon Cletus. The game remained tightly contested, with goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt keeping Nigeria in it by denying Aldrine Kibet on two occasions.
HIGHLIGHTS: 2-2
Nigeria and Kenya settle for a draw after a thrilling matchup.#NGAKEN | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/Blyw192Fzg
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 7, 2025
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Kenya regained the lead midway through the second half when substitute William Gitama fired home after a dangerous delivery from a Humphrey Obina free-kick.
But Nigeria levelled once again four minutes later, with captain Daniel Bameyi calmly converting a penalty after Rickson Mendos was fouled in the area.
Despite late dominance and efforts from Divine Oliseh, Tahir Maigana, and Mendos, Nigeria couldn’t find a winner. However, the draw was enough to confirm their progression.
Nigeria: Flying Eagles leave Cairo for Ismailia as Ghana, Senegal aim to dodge record U-20 champions
With the group stage complete, Nigeria now head to Ismailia, where they will face the runners-up of Group C in the quarter-finals at the Suez Canal Stadium. The identity of their opponent will be confirmed after Thursday’s final group matches.
The Flying Eagles have arrived in the city of Ismailia, ahead of Monday’s CAF U20 Cup of Nations quarter final match. Their opponents will emerge on Thursday night. pic.twitter.com/o67lUOC2KE
— The NFF (@thenff) May 8, 2025
Group C remains finely poised, with DR Congo and Ghana currently tied on four points — though DR Congo lead on goal difference. Defending champions Senegal, sitting third on one point, will need a win over DR Congo to keep their hopes alive.
Ghana, though, face the Central African Republic knowing any result other than a victory would likely set up a mouthwatering clash against Nigeria.
Nigeria are the most successful team in the tournament’s history with seven titles, two silver medals, and four bronzes.
The Flying Eagles have now advanced from the group stage in ten of their last twelve appearances and remain unbeaten in this year’s competition — though their return of just three goals in as many matches raises attacking concerns.