Nigerian forward Kparabo Arierhi has been recognized as one of the top young talents to watch at the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
CAF listed the 18-year-old striker among its standout players for the tournament, which runs from April 27 to May 18. Other players highlighted include Senegal’s Pierre Dorival, Egypt’s Mohamed Abdallah, and Ghana’s Jerry Afriyie.
Arierhi’s selection follows a series of strong performances in youth competitions both in Africa and Europe. A key contributor for Nigeria during the WAFU B U-20 qualifiers, he scored and provided an assist in the final to secure the Flying Eagles’ qualification for the tournament.
At club level, Arierhi starred for Beyond Limits Football Academy, finishing as top scorer in the 2024 TCC League with 22 goals in 15 matches. He also scored five goals in five games at Italy’s Viareggio Cup, including a goal in the final, helping Beyond Limits become the first African team to win the prestigious tournament.
His emergence comes as Nigeria eyes a record-extending eighth U-20 continental title. The Flying Eagles are grouped with Morocco, Tunisia, and Kenya, and are also aiming to secure qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Arierhi recently signed his first professional contract with Norwegian club Lillestrøm, turning down offers from clubs including Aston Villa and Olympique Lyonnais in favor of a pathway to consistent first-team football.
“I chose Lillestrøm because I wanted the opportunity to play regularly with the first team,” Arierhi told Africa Foot. “Signing my first professional contract is an incredible feeling. I want to score goals and help the team win.”
