Flying Eagles aim to swoop World Cup prize in U-20 AFCON quarter-finals

Photo Credit: Ivorian Football Federation

Nigeria's Flying Eagles confirmed their U-20 African Cup of Nations quarter-final berth following a 2-2 draw against Kenya in their final group B match.

The seven-time champions finished second in group B to advance to the last eight.

Speaking after the match, Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu acknowledged that Kenya were formidable opponents because they had nothing to lose.

"It wasn't easy at all [...] they went all out to make sure that they wouldn't leave the competition without at least getting a win. That's why the game was very difficult. But all the same, it was a good one,” said Zubairu.

Appreciating that some fans did not like the outcome of the match, Zubairu emphasized the bigger picture of the quarter-finals being a gateway to the Under-20 World Cup.

"Many Nigerians will be disappointed, but it's not a bad result as far as the competition is concerned. What was important is for us to get to the next level, which is the quarter-final stage, and we are there, even though the match did not go the way we expected.

“I believe [the quarter-final will be] the most important match of the competition because the next match says it all. If we want to be at the World Cup, we need to go all out to win that match.”

Also speaking on his first goal of the tournament and the crucial match that awaits them, Flying Eagles striker Kparoabo Ariehi expresses his excitement at opening his goalscoring account at the tournament and is confident that his side will be in the World Cup.

“I must say it's a great feeling for me. I'm really happy. I'm excited I was able to turn up and get my first goal. I think this is the first of many in the tournament. I'm going to make sure I try my best to get more,” he said.

“It’s really important for us to get to the FIFA World Cup and we are very happy that we are in the quarter-finals now. Just one match ahead, we can get to the World Cup. My team-mates and I are going to give everything and make sure we get the ticket. So I have no doubt in that."

Flying Eagles will face the Group C winners – either DR Congo, Ghana, or defending champions Senegal – in the quarter-finals of the 2025 U-20 AFCON on Monday, 12 May at Ismaila.