Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has acknowledged Nigeria's performance in their 2-2 draw against Kenya was far from convincing — but insists reaching the quarter-finals of the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations remains the priority, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria were twice forced to come from behind against a spirited Kenyan side in their final Group B fixture at the 2025 tournament in Cairo on Wednesday.
The result secured second place for the seven-time champions, behind Morocco, who beat Tunisia 3-1 in the group’s other game.
HIGHLIGHTS: 2-2
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 7, 2025
Nigeria and Kenya settle for a draw after a thrilling matchup.#NGAKEN | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/Blyw192Fzg
Speaking after the match, Zubairu admitted the Rising Stars had pushed his team to the limit.
“It was not an easy match, the Kenyans have played two games previously which they lost. They came all out so that they don’t leave the competition without getting a win. That’s why the game was difficult. All this same, it was a good game,” said Zubairu.
“Many Nigerians will be disappointed” – Zubairu admits Flying Eagles must improve after nervy Kenya draw
He acknowledged fans’ disappointment but stressed that progression was key.
“I want to correct an impression, of course many Nigerians will be disappointed with the result because of the opposition but what is important is for us to get to the next stage, which is the quarter-final.”
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The match saw Kenya take the lead early through a sixth-minute penalty converted by Kevin Injehu after a VAR-confirmed handball by Emmanuel Chukwu.
But Nigeria responded quickly, with Kparobo Arierhi levelling in the 13th minute after a clever pass from Simon Cletus.
Kenya again stunned Nigeria midway through the second half when substitute William Gitama converted a well-worked set-piece to make it 2-1 in the 68th minute.
Captain Daniel Bameyi stepped up to equalise five minutes later, scoring from the spot after Rickson Mendos was fouled in the area.
Despite late pressure from Nigeria — with Divine Oliseh and Tahir Maigana both going close — Kenya held firm to secure their first point of the tournament.
Zubairu emphasised the importance of the next stage: “I believe the quarter-final is the most important match of the competition. We need to work on the psyche of the players towards that next match, that is very important. We want to go to the World Cup, we must win the match. We will start preparing immediately.”
The final standings of Group B! ✅
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 7, 2025
Morocco and Nigeria make it to the quarters while Tunisia awaits other results. #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/ArOQPxwgCA
Nigeria now await their quarter-final opponent, while Kenya exit the competition after finishing bottom of the group.
