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By Dotun Omisakin As the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off, much of the spotlight is on Nigeria’s lethal striker, Kparobo Arierhi. Dubbed the “Goal Machine,” the Lillestrom forward is widely expected to lead the charge as the Flying Eagles open their Group B campaign against Tunisia today. Arierhi was a standout performer during Nigeria’s qualification for the tournament, netting three crucial goals en route to the Flying Eagles’ triumph at the WAFU Zone B Championship in Lomé, Togo.
His sharp eye for goal and calm composure in front of the net have drawn comparisons with Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen. The former Beyond Limits FC prodigy has continued to show promise, scoring in Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Morak FC in their final warm-up match. He also found the net in the team’s only international friendly against hosts Egypt—reaffirming his role as the side’s go-to striker heading into the tournament.
Before his national team call-up, Arierhi had already made a name for himself in youth football. He played a key role in Beyond Limits’ victorious 2024/2025 Nigeria National League campaign, finishing as both top scorer and Most Valuable Player. He also made a significant impact at the 2025 Gothia Cup in Sweden, further proving his potential on the international stage.
Despite his previous achievement, Daily Trust highlights the responsibilities ahead of him in the continental showpiece to deliver the goals for the Flying Eagles to secure the ticket in Egypt to the 2025 U20 World Cup in Chile in September. Big shoes to fill Expectations are sky-high for Arierhi, who now carries the responsibility of living up to the “goal machine” title. Many see echoes of Nigeria’s legendary striker, the late Rashidi Yekini, in his powerful presence and goal-scoring instinct.
Yekini remains Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer, with 37 goals in 62 appearances. Other greats like Obafemi Martins, known as the “Weapon of Mass Destruction,” and Odion Ighalo, who led the line before Osimhen, serve as reminders of the standards expected of strikers in the green and white. Osimhen, currently Nigeria’s top forward, has netted 25 times in 40 games, already surpassing legends like Segun Odegbami.
Flying Eagles chase record 8th title With seven titles already in the bag, Nigeria’s U20 team is the most successful in AFCON history. After a third-place finish in 2023 under Ladan Bosso, new head coach Aliyu Zubairu is looking to take the team a step further. To do that, the Flying Eagles must top a tricky Group B that includes Tunisia, Kenya, and Morocco, and navigate through the knockout stages to reach the final on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
Eagles face Tunisia’s Junior Carthage Eagles in the opening Group B match at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo. After today’s clash with Tunisia, Nigeria will face Morocco, the 1997 champions, also at the 30 June Stadium. Kparobo Arierhi’s role will be crucial.
If he can deliver in front of goal, he could not only lead Nigeria to its 8th U20 AFCON title but also book the team a ticket to the 2025 U20 FIFA World Cup in Chile this September. UPDATE NEWS: Nigerians can now earn US Dollars through domain flipping, buy domain names for cheap and have it resold to earn up to $15,000. Click here to start and get PROOF.
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