Nigeria has revealed its starting lineup for the decisive Group B match against Kenya in the ongoing U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.
Set to take place on the third matchday of the group stage, the encounter is crucial for the Nigerian side’s hopes of advancing to the next round of the competition.
With Nigeria currently positioned second in the group, the team’s objective is clear: secure a victory against the already-eliminated Kenya to guarantee their qualification for the knockout stages.
The match will kick off at 3:00 PM GMT, with all eyes on the young Nigerian squad as they look to secure their place in the next phase of the tournament.
In a bid to strengthen their chances of success, Nigeria has opted for a solid lineup, which includes some of their most promising young talents. Head coach Nduka Ugbade has trusted the following players to take to the field:
Nigeria’s Starting XI:
- Harcourt
- Maigari
- Okoro
- Bameyi
- Jephta
- Arierhi
- Ayuma
- Cletus
- Ibrahim
- Kpangu
- Chukwu
This lineup reflects Nigeria’s determination to dominate the match and achieve the necessary result to secure progression.
The team has been in solid form throughout the tournament, and their performance in this match will be crucial in ensuring they advance to the knockout stages.
On the other hand, Kenya, having already been eliminated from the competition, will be looking to finish their campaign on a positive note.
The Kenyan side will field the following players in an attempt to surprise their more-fancied opponents:
Kenya’s Starting XI:
- Manzur Okwaro Suleiman
- Jackson Imbiakha
- Joseph Bate Onyango
- Hassan Beja Kitsao
- Kevin Injehu Wangaya
- Aldrine Kipchirchir Kibet
- Dalphene Ezekiah
- Irad Mshindi Ambugo
- Lawrence Ouma Okoth
- Humphrey Obino Kegengo
Though Kenya is no longer in the running for qualification, the team will still look to put on a competitive performance.
With nothing to lose, they will aim to prove their resilience and show the quality that they have despite their earlier setbacks in the competition.
For Nigeria, the match against Kenya represents an opportunity to reaffirm their status as one of Africa’s top teams in youth football.
A win would see them progress to the next stage of the tournament, where they will face tougher opposition, with hopes of contending for the prestigious U20 AFCON title.
