Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are set to mark a major milestone on Wednesday when they play their 100th match in the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, taking on Kenya in a decisive Group B clash at Cairo’s 30 June Stadium.
Aliyu Zubairu’s team only need a draw to secure a place in the quarter-finals, though a win could see them finish top of the group—provided Tunisia avoid defeat in their simultaneous match against Morocco.
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Kick-off is set for 4:00pm local time.
Currently sitting second in Group B with four points, Nigeria held Morocco to a goalless draw before narrowly defeating Tunisia 1–0. While the Flying Eagles have been defensively solid—yet to concede a goal—they have struggled in attack, managing just one goal in the tournament so far.
With qualification on the line, Nigeria will be all business, though Kenya, already eliminated after losing to Morocco (3–2) and Tunisia (3–1), will be motivated by pride and the chance to bow out with a statement performance against one of Africa’s youth football giants.
The history books favor Nigeria. The two sides have met on several occasions at different levels, with Nigeria boasting a long-standing upper hand dating back to 1968. Notable wins include a 3–0 World Cup qualifier in 1986 and a 3–1 victory in Lagos.
Despite their attacking woes in Egypt, Nigeria’s hopes will rest on their sturdy defense and historical dominance to power them into the knockout stage—and perhaps to the top of the group.
