U-20 AFCON: Five Kenyan players who can stop Nigeria

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria will lock horns against the Rising Stars of Kenya in their final Group B match at the ongoing 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.

Aliyu Zubairu’s side sealed a 1-0 win over Tunisia in their opening group game before playing a goalless draw against Morocco yesterday. They’re now second in Group B, behind Morocco on goal difference.

The Flying Eagles take on Kenya in their final group game. In this piece, Soccernet.ng highlights some rising stars that could harm Nigeria in their bid to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.

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1. Lawrence Ouma

The 19-year-old has found the back of the net in the two games he’s played at the AFCON U-20 competition. While the Flying Eagles are yet to concede in Egypt, they have to be wary of the threat the MOFA Academy striker poses.

2. Hassan Beja

Like Ouma, Beja scored a brilliant goal against Morocco, and the winger will be a threat to the full-backs when Kenya takes on Nigeria.

3. Aldrine Kibet

Kibet might not have the goals, but his creativity on the right wing has been impressive for Kenya. As a team, Salim Babu’s side might be shaky defensively, but in attack, they’re on fire.

The Gimnàstic de Tarragona midfielder is fleet-footed and a joy to watch when he gets into his groove.

4. Jairo Benard

Kenya have conceded the most goals in Group B, but the number could have been higher, had it not been for Benard. Against Morocco and Tunisia, he pulled spectacular double saves to keep the opponents at bay.

Nigerian attackers will have to be at their best to beat the talented goalkeeper. Benard was a doubt ahead of the competition as he was dealing with a hip injury, but he’s done well to show what he’s made of with the chance he’s been given.

5. Machaka Oliver

The young striker is one of the highly-rated talents in Kenya, but he’s been subjected to just a few minutes off the bench in the ongoing AFCON U-20 tournament. When called upon, he can cause real damage, and the Flying Eagles have to be on the lookout.