Nigeria National Under 20 Men’s Football Team, Flying Eagles progressed to the quarter finals of the ongoing Under 20 African Cup of Nations in Egypt despite having to force Kenya’s Rising Stars to a 2-2 draw in the last match of group B on Wednesday.
Goals from Kparobo Arierhi and captain Daniel Bameyi from the spot, ensured Nigeria twice came from behind after Kenya struck early through Kevin Wanganya and penalty from William Gitmu.
Kenya’s Rising Stars made the game difficult for the Flying Eagles, as the wards of Aliyu Zubairu had to come from behind twice to salvage the encounter.
Kevin Wangaya put the Rising Stars ahead after only five minutes, scoring from the penalty spot after a Nigerian defender stopped the ball with his hand in the box.
Nigeria restored parity seven minutes later, after Kparobo Arierhi waltzed his way through the defence to place the ball firmly beyond the reach of the opposition goal-tender.
The East Africans were back in front in the 68th minute, as the Flying Eagles’ rearguard ball-watched a freekick from the left and allowed William to blast the ball past goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt from Lawrence’s in-swinger.
Five minutes later, Nigeria were level again, with captain Daniel Bameyi sending the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot after substitute Mendos Rickson was upended in the box.
In the event, the Flying Eagles finished second on the table with five points, two behind group leaders Morocco who drilled Tunisia 3-1 in the other match of the pool and will remain in Cairo for the quarter finals.
Seven time champions Nigeria will now have to make the trip to Ismailia for their quarterfinals game on Monday, against the second-placed team in group C.
Confidence Ilera
