U20 AFCON: What former Watford & Udinese star told Nigeria’s Flying Eagles after sealing QF ticket

Nigeria U20 boys have secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations following a pulsating 2-2 draw against Kenya in Cairo — and they’ve earned praise from Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Flying Eagles finished second in Group B with five points, behind leaders Morocco and ahead of Tunisia and Kenya.

The top four teams at the tournament will qualify for this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup, and Nigeria’s progression keeps them firmly in contention for a place at the global showpiece.

U20 AFCON: What former Watford & Udinese star told Nigeria's Flying Eagles after sealing QF ticket

After the match, Troost-Ekong, who plies his trade with Al-Kholood in Saudi Arabia, spoke to the squad via video call to share his delight and offer encouragement.

“The boys are ready. Continue pushing. You boys are making us proud! We dey together!” the former Watford and Udinese defender told the players in a short video message.

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Nigeria’s qualification wasn’t straightforward. Despite Kenya having already been eliminated, the East Africans played with pride and gave Aliyu Zubairu’s side a tough test.

Kevin Injehu opened the scoring for Kenya from the penalty spot in the sixth minute after a VAR review penalised Emmanuel Chukwu for handball.

Nigeria responded quickly, as Kparobo Arierhi finished smartly in the 13th minute following a pinpoint through-ball from Simon Cletus.

Kenya reclaimed the lead midway through the second half through substitute William Gitama, who capitalised on a clever set-piece routine in the 68th minute.

But the Flying Eagles weren’t done. Just five minutes later, Daniel Bameyi calmly dispatched a penalty after Rickson Mendos was brought down by Lawrence Ouma in the Kenyan box.

Nigeria piled on the pressure late on, with Divine Oliseh and Tahir Maigana both going close, but Kenya’s backline held firm to earn a point.

Still, the draw was enough to take Nigeria through to the next round, where they will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. With two clean sheets in their earlier games, the Flying Eagles remain unbeaten in the group and are now just one win away from clinching a World Cup spot.

As it stands, Morocco top Group B with seven points, followed by Nigeria (5), Tunisia (3), and Kenya (1), whose campaign ends despite scoring in all three matches.