Nigeria 2 Kenya 2: Arierhi, Bameyi find the net as Flying Eagles hit U20 Afcon milestone

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles were held to a thrilling 2-2 draw by Kenya in their final Group B game at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday, a result that confirmed their passage to the quarter-finals in second place.

It was a historic game for the Flying Eagles as they marked their 100th appearance at the Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

Aliyu Zubairu’s side came into the encounter needing at least a point to guarantee qualification, and they had to dig deep to get it against a determined Kenyan team that bowed out of the competition with pride.

Kenya drew first blood in the 6th minute when Kevin Wangaya converted a penalty after Emmanuel Chukwu was penalised for handball.

But Nigeria responded quickly, with Kparobo Ariehri grabbing the equaliser in the 13th minute thanks to a fine assist from Simon Cletus.

Despite dominating possession, the Flying Eagles struggled in front of goal.

Clinton Jephta and Auwal Ibrahim went close, while Kenya also had opportunities, with Aldrine Kibet and Wangaya threatening the Nigerian defence.

Kenya regained the lead in the 68th minute as William Mowangi tapped in at the far post following a brilliant delivery from Kegengo.

The East Africans nearly added a third, but Nigeria captain Daniel Bameyi produced a vital clearance inside the six-yard box.

Nigeria eventually levelled again in the 73rd minute through Bameyi himself.

After Rickson was fouled in the box, the centre-back calmly slotted home the resulting penalty, sending goalkeeper Wycliford Oduor the wrong way.

Substitutions followed, with Divine Oliseh and Chigozie Ejiofor coming on for Nigeria in search of a winner, but Oduor was equal to the few chances that came his way.

David Oliseh missed a late opportunity to seal all three points when he blazed over from close range after good work by Ariehri.

With Morocco defeating Tunisia in the group’s other fixture, Nigeria finished second in Group B behind the North Africans.

The Flying Eagles advance to the quarter-finals unbeaten, having drawn twice and won once, conceding their first goals of the tournament in this match.

Kenya, though eliminated, will take heart from their performance, ending their campaign with a spirited display and their first point of the tournament.

Wale Adejumo

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