Tough battle as Kenya clash with Nigeria

Jacob Onyango in action during the Coca -cola under 16 Africa Cup at Nakuru High school on December 14, 2018.Kenya qualified for finals after winning 1-0.Photo:Harun Wathari/Standard

“Bring it on,” Nigerian captain Moses Aluko dares Kenyans ahead of today’s final.

Kenya’s Harambee Stars have never beaten Nigeria’s Super Eagles since their first encounter in an international friendly match in 1981. 

Out of 14 meetings, Kenya has lost 12 times with their best performance being two 1-1 draws in January 1997 and March 2013 during the 1998 and 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Today, the Kenyan boys will have an opportunity to settle scores with the West Africans on behalf of their senior countrymen when they face off in the boys final of the inaugural Copa Coca-Cola Under-16 Africa Cup at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru.

The match will be a culmination of a week long championship that brought together future stars from 12 African nations. Kenya and Nigeria won their respective semi-final matches to set the stage for the epic battle. Kenya laboured to a 1-0 win against unrelenting Zambia while Nigeria had easy thrashing Botswana 5-0 in their last four ties. 

David Leon netted Kenya’s all-important goal from the spot in the 49th minute. Kenya was awarded a penalty in the 49th minute following a foul on Haroun Kibiwott. Against Botswana, Nigeria dominated from the onset netting through Williams Gift, James Oghenetega, Hussain Mohammed in the 15th, 38th and 44th minutes with Henry Williams crowing their brilliant performance with a brace in 59th and 62nd minutes. 

The homeboys will be seeking to maintain their impressive record having triumphed in all their matches while the Nigerians who lost their opening match 1-2 to Zambia will be out to subject their hosts to their first and only defeat. Kenya captain Cedric Muchina said their aim in today’s match is to complete the job and ensure they retain the title.

“We mean business, we are in this competition for the trophy. We have played well won all our matches but we must get the job done by beating Nigeria,” Muchina said. He added that more than ever before they are confident of achieving their goal. “We have had a good run and we want to end the competition on a high, the hopes of the entire country are on us and we are determined to make Kenya proud.”

Nigerian captain Moses Aluko would hear none of that emphasizing that they are a giant footballing nation in the continent and are ready to prove it by lifting the trophy. “We know who we are, we are Nigerians. We won’t let anyone trample us, not even Kenya. We know that they are a good side, they have home advantage but only the final whistle will decide. As a nation we have an unrivalled record against Kenya and we intend to return home with our heads held high,” Aluko said. 

In the girls contest, the Kenyan girls will be out to complete a double against Zimbabwe.