Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are just one step away from sealing a spot in the quarter-finals of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.
A win or draw against Kenya on May 7 will be enough to qualify, but to get the job done, some players must raise their game.
After a goalless draw against Morocco in their second match, a few names are under pressure to improve in the final group fixture.
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Here are three Flying Eagles who need to step up against Kenya:
1. Kparobo Arierhi
Kparobo Arierhi has had a quiet tournament so far. Much was expected from him coming into this competition. The CAF official website even listed him as one of “Five Rising Stars to Light Up Egypt.” However, he has yet to live up to the hype.
In the opening match against Tunisia, he struggled to make an impact and looked far from his usual sharp self. It probably explains why he did not start against Morocco, as the coaching staff opted for Precious Benjamin up, and Kparobo only came in as a substitute in the 80th minute of the game.
If Arierhi is handed a starting spot against Kenya, he must take his chance. The Lillestrøm SK striker has the numbers to back him up. Last season, he scored 22 goals in just 15 matches , including three hat-tricks for Beyond Limits FC.
His efforts helped Nigeria win the WAFU B U-20 Championship, where he netted a brace in the final against Ghana.
2. Bidemi Amole
Bidemi Amole has also yet to make his mark in the tournament. The Real Sapphire winger is known for his dribbling and sharp movement, but he has not yet shown what he is truly capable of in Egypt.
Amole was decent during the WAFU B tournament and is one of the players in this squad who can unlock defences with one good move.
With the group stage reaching its final round, this is the moment for him to step up. A lively showing against Kenya could help restore confidence in his abilities and add an extra spark to Nigeria’s attack.
3. Clinton Jephta
Clinton Jephta is arguably one of Nigeria’s brightest attacking outlets so far. Against Tunisia, the Enyimba winger was involved in almost everything positive going forward and looked dangerous on the ball.
However, despite the flashes of quality, Jephta has not yet found the back of the net. He has been a lively presence so far, but his attacking output must be converted into actual goals. In the 2024 WAFU B tournament, he scored important goals, including a brace against Niger in the semi-finals.
Nigeria will need that version of Jephta against Kenya. He has shown he can deliver on the big stage. Now, he must turn performance into end product.
