Poor Players - Nigerians lament Flying Eagles performance after 2-2 Draw against Kenya

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw by Kenya in their final Group B match of the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo on May 7, 2025.

The result sparked widespread criticism from fans over the team’s selection and performance.

The result left Nigeria with five points, securing second place in the group behind Morocco, who topped the standings with seven points.

However, it was a far cry from the expectations set for a team with a storied history in African youth football.

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The Flying Eagles, coached by Aliyu Zubairu, entered the match needing a win to potentially top the group after a 0-0 draw with Morocco and a narrow 1-0 victory over Tunisia in their earlier fixtures.

However, the game against Kenya, the group’s bottom team with zero points, exposed glaring weaknesses in the Nigerian squad.

The draw meant Nigeria finished the group stage with a single win, a draw, and a loss, a performance that failed to inspire confidence heading into the knockout rounds.

Nigerian fans took to social media to express their frustration, with many pointing fingers at the team selection and coaching decisions.

A fan said, “This Flying Eagles squad is a mess. How do you draw 2-2 with Kenya?

"The selection is questionable—where are the best U20 players from the NPFL? Zubairu needs to explain himself.” Another user, @EagleEye9ja

“We have talents like Victor Collins and Ibrahim Abdullahi rotting on the bench while average players start.

This 2-2 draw is a disgrace for a team like Nigeria. CAF U20 should be our playground!”

The Flying Eagles lacked cohesion and defensive structure. The selection of players like Daniel Bameyi over more dynamic options in the backline cost us.