Nigeria’s Flying Eagles advanced to the quarter-finals of the CAF U20 Championship in Egypt after a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Kenya’s Rising Stars in their final Group B match on Wednesday.
The result saw Nigeria finish second in the group with five points, trailing leaders Morocco, who defeated Tunisia 3-1.
The seven-time champions came from behind twice to salvage a point in a challenging encounter. Kenya took an early lead in the fifth minute when Kevin Wangaya converted a penalty after a Nigerian defender handled the ball in the box.
Nigeria responded quickly, with Kparobo Arierhi equalizing in the 12th minute after weaving through the Kenyan defense to score.
Kenya regained the lead in the 68th minute through William, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to score from a free-kick.
However, Nigeria leveled the score five minutes later when captain Daniel Bameyi calmly converted a penalty after substitute Mendos Rickson was fouled in the box.
The Flying Eagles will now travel to Ismailia for their quarter-final clash on Monday against the second-placed team from Group C.
The match is scheduled for 3 p.m. Egypt time (1 p.m. Nigeria time).