Flying Eagles forward, Rickson Mendos is confident that Nigeria will overcome Kenya in their final Group B fixture at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The two teams will clash on Wednesday, May 7, at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in Cairo in what is a crucial encounter for Nigeria’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.
Currently second in Group B with four points from two games, Nigeria only need a draw to secure qualification to the quarter-finals.
However, a win could see them top the group especially if Morocco fail to beat Tunisia in the other match.
That would potentially hand the Flying Eagles a more favourable opponent in the next round.
Aliyu Zubairu’s boys began their campaign with a 1-0 win over Tunisia before playing out a goalless draw against Morocco.
Meanwhile, Kenya has endured a disappointing tournament, losing 3-2 to Morocco and 3-1 to Tunisia.
Their slim hopes of qualification depend not only on beating Nigeria but also on a highly unlikely combination of results and goal difference.
Speaking ahead of the match, Mendes expressed confidence in the team’s preparations and hunger to top the group.
“We have prepared well. The coaches have done well with us. We know how important this game is to our target in this competition. We will go all out and fight for the maximum points,” Mendos told the team’s media officer, Shariff Abdallah. “It is important for us to win and top the group.”
Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu echoed Mendos’ optimism, emphasising the importance of securing maximum points.
“We’re preparing very well,” Zubairu said after the team’s final training session. “One thing that’s common among the technical crew and the players is the desire to win tomorrow’s (Wednesday) match so we can top the group. Because of the little advantage that comes with it.
If not for anything, topping the group might allow us to remain here in Cairo.”
Wednesday’s match kicks off at 4:00 pm Nigerian time.
