Nigerian forward Kparabo Arierhi has been named among the top talents to watch at the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
African football governing body, Confederation of African Football, included the 18-year-old striker on its official list of standout players for the tournament which kicked off on April 27 and runs until May 18, alongside Senegal’s Pierre Dorival, Egypt’s Mohamed Abdallah, and Ghana’s Jerry Afriyie.
Arierhi’s inclusion follows a string of impressive performances in youth competitions across Africa and Europe.
A key figure for Nigeria in the WAFU B U-20 qualifiers, he scored and assisted in the final as the Flying Eagles sealed their ticket to Egypt. His club-level form was equally prolific, finishing as the top scorer in the 2024 TCC League with 22 goals in 15 matches for Beyond Limits Football Academy.
He also found the net five times in five matches during the prestigious Viareggio Cup in Italy, scoring in the final to help Beyond Limits become the first African team to win the tournament.
CAF’s recognition of Arierhi as one of the continent’s brightest attacking prospects comes as Nigeria target a record-extending eighth U-20 continental title. Drawn in Group B alongside Morocco, Tunisia and Kenya, the Flying Eagles are aiming not only to reclaim continental supremacy but also to secure qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Arierhi recently joined Norwegian side Lillestrøm on a professional deal, he said he turned down interest from clubs such as Aston Villa and Olympique Lyonnais in favour of steady development.
Speaking to Africa Foot after signing for Lillestrøm, he explained that the move was a deliberate step toward regular senior football.
“I wanted to have the opportunity to play as a first team, which is why I chose to sign with Lillestrøm Sportsklubb, despite the interest of Aston Villa and Olympique Lyonnais. Signing my first professional contract with Lillestrøm Sportsklubb is an incredible sensation, I’m making my dream come true. My goal is to win in the first team, to score a lot of goals and to help the team win matches,” Arierhi said.
