Nigeria vs Kenya: Flying Eagles target historic 100th U20 AFCON win, KO ticket against miracle-chasing Rising Stars

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are poised to mark their 100th U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match with a victory as they face Kenya’s Rising Stars in a crucial Group B clash in downtown Cairo on Wednesday at 4 pm Nigeria time. 

The seven-time champions and two-time runners-up are determined to celebrate this milestone with a win, while Kenya fights for a slim chance at the quarterfinals.

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Nigeria, second in Group B with four points, need only a draw to advance to the last eight, regardless of the outcome between group leaders Morocco and third-placed Tunisia. 

A draw would give Nigeria five points, securing their knockout stage berth. Meanwhile, Kenya, after losses to Morocco (3-2) and Tunisia (3-1), require a significant victory to stay alive in the 19-team tournament, where the top two teams from each group and the best two third-placed sides progress.

The historical rivalry heavily favours Nigeria, who have dominated Kenya across decades. Since their first meeting in 1968, Nigeria have won 10 of 13 encounters, including a 3-0 thrashing in a 1985 World Cup qualifier and a 3-0 victory in a 2010 World Cup qualifier. 

Kenya’s sole draw came in a 1968 friendly, with their only competitive goal against Nigeria in a 1998 World Cup qualifier. The Flying Eagles also won in AFCON group stage matches in 1988 (3-0) and 1992 (2-1).

Kenya’s Rising Stars have struggled to shine in Cairo, failing to replicate their opening-day resilience against Morocco. 

A win against Nigeria would be a historic upset, but Nigeria’s depth and pedigree make them favourites to pop champagne in their landmark 100th match and potentially clinch the Group B top spot.

A Morocco win over Tunisia would see them finish on seven points, leaving Tunisia on three. A draw would give Morocco five points and Tunisia four, while a Tunisia victory could push them to six, relegating Morocco to third. 

For Nigeria, the equation is simple: avoid defeat, and the quarter finals beckon.