Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, secured a 2-1 victory over hosts Egypt in a friendly match played on Tuesday in Cairo, ahead of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The tournament, scheduled to hold in Egypt from April 27 to May 18, will see Nigeria aiming for an eighth title.
The Flying Eagles took the lead in the 10th minute through Kparobo Arierhi, who converted a precise pass from Bidemi Amole. Egypt drew level in the 65th minute thanks to a goal by Ahmed Kaabaka.
However, Nigeria regained the lead late in the game when Precious Benjamin converted a penalty in the 83rd minute. The spot-kick followed a foul on Divine Oliseh in the Egyptian penalty area.
The win provides a confidence boost for the Nigerian squad, who arrived in Egypt on Sunday for the 17th edition of the tournament.
Drawn in Group B, Nigeria will kick off their AFCON campaign against Tunisia on Thursday, before facing Morocco and Kenya in subsequent group matches.
The top four teams from the competition will qualify to represent Africa at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, scheduled to run from September 27 to October 19.
