By Emmy Tundez
Nigeria U-20 head coach Aliyu Zubairu has admitted that his side’s 2-2 draw against Kenya in their final Group B clash at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations fell short of expectations — but reaffirmed that the team’s primary focus remains securing a place in the quarter-finals.
In a tense encounter played at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday, the Flying Eagles were forced to come from behind twice against a determined Kenyan side, who were playing for pride after losing their previous two group matches. Despite a lacklustre performance, the result was enough for Nigeria to finish second in the group behind Morocco, who defeated Tunisia 3-1 in the other match.
Nigeria got off to a shaky start when a VAR-reviewed handball decision against Emmanuel Chukwu led to a penalty for Kenya. Kevin Injehu stepped up and coolly converted in the sixth minute, giving the East Africans a surprise early lead. However, Nigeria responded seven minutes later through Kparobo Arierhi, who latched onto a smart through ball from Simon Cletus and slotted home to bring the scores level.
The game remained tightly contested, and Kenya once again seized the initiative midway through the second half. Substitute William Gitama made an instant impact, finishing off a cleverly executed set-piece routine in the 68th minute to restore Kenya’s lead.
But the Flying Eagles answered quickly once more. This time it was captain Daniel Bameyi who led by example, converting a penalty in the 73rd minute after Rickson Mendos was brought down in the box.
Despite sustained pressure from the Nigerians in the closing minutes — with Divine Oliseh and Tahir Maigana coming close — the resilient Kenyan defense held firm to secure their first point of the tournament.
Speaking after the match, Zubairu admitted that the performance was below the standard expected of a team with Nigeria’s pedigree.
“It was not an easy match,” Zubairu said. “The Kenyans had lost their first two games and were determined to leave the competition with something. They gave everything, and that made the game very difficult. But all the same, it was a good contest.”
Zubairu was candid about the mood back home. “I know many Nigerians will be disappointed, especially because of the opponent and the performance,” he said. “But I want to correct that impression — what matters most is progressing to the quarter-final. That has always been the priority.”
