The Flying Eagles of Nigeria defeated Egypt’s Young Pharaohs 2-1 on Tuesday in a tune-up friendly ahead of the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
The match was played at the Cairo International Stadium, two days after the Flying Eagles landed in Egypt, who will host the U-20 AFCON from April 27 to May 18.
Kparobo Arierhi, who scored three goals as the Flying Eagles successfully defended their WAFU B U-20 Championship title in Lome, Togo last October (including a brace in the final against Ghana), scored the opener in the 10th minute of the encounter after a good pass from Bidemi Amole.
The Young Pharaohs pulled one back in the 65th minute through Ahmed Kaabaka, but a dominant Nigeria side shot into the lead again with seven minutes left on the clock after Precious Benjamin converted from the penalty spot, following a foul on Divine Oliseh in the hosts’ box.
Seven-time African champions Nigeria will face Morocco, Tunisia and Kenya in the group phase of the continental championship.
The Flying Eagles’ first match is against Tunisia on Thursday next week, before further clashes against Morocco and Kenya in Group B.
On their part, hosts Egypt, who head Group A, will take on South Africa on Sunday, before further games against Sierra Leone on April 30, Zambia on May 3 and Tanzania on May 9.
There are 13 teams participating in the tournament, with the semi-finalists proceeding to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later in the year.
