Kparobo Arierhi has returned to the Starting XI of the Flying Eagles for today’s final Group B game of the 2025 U20 AFCON after coach Aliyu Zubairu made three changes to the team who battled Morocco to a scoreless draw at the weekend.
Former Golden Eaglets skipper Simon Cletus will get his first start in midfield, while Anthony Kpangu has been picked ahead of Bidemi Amole in attack.
Match winner versus Tunisia Auwal Ibrahim ‘Germany’ and Israel Ayuma will be the defensive midfielders, while Cletus will attack and provide the creative juice against a very physical Rising Stars of Kenya.
Lillestrom striker Kparobo, the team’s leading scorer at the WAFU B qualifiers last year with three goals, was sensationally dropped for the match against Morocco for Hoffenheim youngster Precious Benjamin.
The four-man defence led by captain Daniel Bameyi remains intact as they are yet to concede a goal in two matches.
Kick-off time is 4pm Nigerian time.
Flying Eagles Starting XI (4-3-3) – Ebenezer Harcourt – Odinaka Okoro, Adamu Maigari, Bameyi (Captain), Emmanuel Chukwu – Auwal Ibrahim Israel Ayuma, Simon Cletus – Jephta, Kparobo, Kpangu
