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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles return to the pitch on Wednesday knowing a point will be enough to book their spot in the knockout stage of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Footynaija.com reports.
But head coach Aliyu Zubairu will be pushing for more than just qualification — he’ll want a performance that sends a message.
Kenya’s Rising Stars stand in the way, bruised by two consecutive defeats, including a 3-1 collapse against Tunisia that laid bare their tactical frailties. That defeat revealed a blueprint Nigeria would do well to study — and exploit.
How group B shapes up after today’s results. #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/8maIcOUzbB
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 4, 2025
Here are five key tactical steps Nigeria must take to clip the Rising Stars’ wings and soar into the quarter-finals:
1. Exploit the flanks relentlessly
Kenya’s undoing against Tunisia came from their vulnerability out wide. The moment their wide midfielders lost positional discipline — particularly when Lawrence Ouma was off the pitch — Tunisia struck with precision.
Nigeria’s wide attackers, especially if Zubairu starts Clinton Jephta and Bidemi Amole, must isolate Kenya’s full-backs one-on-one. With overlapping runs from the likes of Odinaka Okoro and Adamu Maigari from the full-back positions, Nigeria can create overloads on both flanks and force Kenya to collapse inward.
HIGHLIGHTS: 0-0
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 4, 2025
Neither sides could break the deadlock. #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 | #MARNGA pic.twitter.com/7jBSiEErJV
Targeting Amos Wanjala and Manzur Okwaro, who looked overwhelmed when Tunisia pushed their full-backs high, will be key. Early crosses and low cut-backs into the box should unsettle an already shaky backline.
2. High-tempo pressing to expose Kenya’s transitions
In the first 30 minutes against Tunisia, Kenya looked composed in possession. But the moment Tunisia upped the tempo and pressed in numbers, the Rising Stars crumbled under pressure.
Daniel Bameyi’s solid defending earns him the Man of the Match award! @Football2gether | #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 | #MARNGA pic.twitter.com/PBzJoWOAkC
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 4, 2025
Nigeria must replicate this approach. By pressing Kenya high in their half and forcing them into rushed decisions, Nigeria can win the ball in dangerous zones. Players like Auwal Ibrahim and Divine Oliseh, with their energy and pressing intelligence, are crucial here.
The goal is to disrupt Kenya’s rhythm early and make them play long — a method they clearly struggled with under pressure from Tunisia’s compact 4-4-2.
3. Be ruthless on set-pieces
Kenya’s zonal marking at set-plays was erratic against Tunisia. Nigeria have strong aerial presence in their centre-backs — Daniel Bameyi and Emmanuel Chukwu — and corners or wide free-kicks could be decisive.
Commanding at the back, calm under pressure.
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 6, 2025
One to watch : Daniel Bameyi. #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/hRshrzmfUn
Smartly rehearsed routines and aggressive attacking of the near post could see Nigeria open the scoring — especially if Kenya’s defenders again fail to track runners. Tunisia exposed this with their third goal, where Kenya’s defensive line switched off entirely.
With a tight game expected, set-pieces could be the difference.
4. Push for goals late into the game
Kenya’s collapse began with a single lapse in added time before halftime. It wasn’t tactical — it was mental. A moment of inattentiveness led to a VAR-awarded penalty and shifted the game’s momentum. The Rising Stars suffered a similar loss in concentration during the closing seconds of both halves against Morocco.
The Flying Eagles can capitalise on Kenya’s habitual lapse in concentration when anticipating the referee’s whistle. Push for late goals and punish any defensive mistakes that will likely surface.
5. Force the game wide when Kenya goes 3-5-2
In desperation, Kenya morphed into a 3-5-2 late against Tunisia. That decision backfired spectacularly, leaving gaping holes on the flanks. Tunisia didn’t hesitate — they pushed their wide men into space and buried the game.
Should Kenya shift to this shape again, Nigeria must counter with width and pace. Stretching Kenya’s back three and pulling their wing-backs out of position could create chaos. A switch to a 4-2-3-1 or even a 3-4-3 from Zubairu could mirror that width and maintain superiority.
HIGHLIGHTS: 3-1
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 4, 2025
Down early, but not for long, Tunisia roar back to claim the win.#TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 | #TUNKEN pic.twitter.com/klm4K5Vk36
The message is simple: keep the ball wide, pull the defence apart, and finish clinically.
Footynaija’s verdict
Nigeria are favourites — and rightly so. But tournament football punishes complacency.
The Flying Eagles have shown they can dig deep (as they did against Morocco), but Kenya will be desperate to end their campaign with pride.
By targeting Kenya’s exposed flanks, pressing with intent, dominating set-pieces, maintaining focus, and stretching the field when needed, Nigeria can not only win—but win well.
Wednesday’s clash is more than a formality. It’s an opportunity for Nigeria to make a statement.
Will they take it?
