U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles beats Egypt 2-1 in preparation match

Nigeria’s U-20 football team, the Flying Eagles, have secured a 2-1 win against Egypt’s U-20 side in a warm-up match played on Tuesday in Cairo. 

The match served as preparation for the upcoming 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be hosted in Egypt from April 27 to May 18.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Kparobo Arierhi opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 10th minute after receiving a smart pass from Bidemi Amole and calmly finishing past the Egyptian goalkeeper.

The hosts equalised in the 65th minute through Ahmed Kaabaka.

However, Nigeria restored their lead in the 83rd minute when Precious Benjamin converted a penalty.

The spot-kick was awarded after Divine Oliseh was brought down inside the box.

The win is a big boost for Nigeria, who arrived in Egypt on Sunday for the 17th U-20 AFCON.

Nigeria, the seven-time champions, is in Group B and will play its first match against Tunisia on Thursday.

Flying Eagles will also face Morocco and Kenya in the group stage.

NAN reports that the top four teams from the tournament will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile slated for Sept. 27 to Oct. 19. (NAN)