The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have kicked off their 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Egypt with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Junior Carthage Eagles of Tunisia, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria looked to be on the back-foot early on as Tunisia appeared to be the brighter of the two teams. However, the seven-time AFCON U20 champions looked more settled after ten minutes of the game and Auwal Ibrahim’s 38th minute strike was enough to ensure victory at the 30 June Stadium.
Footynaija.com takes a look at how each player performed in the Flying Eagles’ opening game.
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Ebenezer Harcourt (GK): 6.8
The Sporting Lagos goalkeeper was solid between the sticks for the Flying Eagles. Although he didn’t have so much to do during the game, he remained sharp and came up trumps when Tunisia managed to fashion a great chance in second half stoppage time. He also proved to be a commanding presence in his 18-yard box.
Odinaka Okoro (LB): 7.5
Easily the best player on the pitch for the entire duration of the game, Okoro was fantastic in both the attacking and defensive areas of the pitch. The marauding left-back provided the assist for Ibrahim’s winner while effortlessly marshalling that left-hand side of the Tunisian attack.
Adamu Maigari (RB): 6.7
While Maigari was not as influential as Okoro in the attacking third, El Kanemi-Warriors star put in a decent shift in the Flying Eagles’ defensive half of the pitch. His contribution to Nigeria’s clean-sheet on the day is by no means negligible.
Emmanuel Chukwu (CB): 7.0
The towering defender put on an admirable display against a very talented Tunisian attack. His composure on and off the ball, as well as his tenacity in tackling played a significant role in Nigeria’s overall defensive solidity.
Daniel Bameyi (CB): 7.0
Bameyi’s performance in the Flying Eagles’ Group B opener was nothing short of what you would expect from a team’s captain. His no nonsense approach to defending the numerous aerial balls that came into his territory and his constant barking of instructions to his teammates was truly impressive.
Caleb Ochedikwu (DM): 6.9
The big Croatia-based midfielder enjoyed a really impressive outing in the middle of the park. Alongside Ibrahim, Ochedikwu dominated the center of the pitch, often turning over possession and putting Nigeria on the front foot.
Auwal Ibrahim (DM): 7.1
Aside from dominating the middle of the park and thwarting Tunisia’s charge into Nigerian territory on a good number of occasions, Ibrahim’s cool head and composure higher up the pitch proved to be the difference. The Akwa United star was virtually flawless until his substitution in the 91st minute.
Divine Olise (AM): 6.0
Despite showing flashes of his brilliance on one or two occasions, Olise put on an underwhelming display overall. The Forster Academy lost possession on many occasions and some of his decision making in the final third left so much more to be desired.
Clinton Jephta (LW): 7.0
One of the brightest players on the pitch for Nigeria, Jephta was often at the center of the Flying Eagles’ attacking forays into Tunisian territory. His pace and technical ability on the ball was just a joy to watch.
Bidemi Amole (RW): 6.5
Amole put in a decent shift overall but the Real Sapphire FC youngster couldn’t really impose himself down that right-hand side of the Flying Eagles’ attack.
Kparobo Areirhi (CF): 6.5
Nigeria’s danger man heading into the game against Tunisia, Areirhi didn’t manage to get as involved as he would’ve liked during the game. He played a decent match overall, looked sharp and made some really intelligent movement off the ball during attacking sequences.
Substitutes
Yushau Armiyau: 6.0
Replaced the out of sorts Olise in the 67th minute and played his part in helping the Flying Eagles maintain their one goal lead. He also looked lively in the attacking third and caused some headaches for the Tunisian defense.
Theophilus Rickson: 6.0
Rickson also came on in the 67th minute and had an immediate impact on the match. The Niger Tornadoes star thought he had won Nigeria a penalty just moments after coming on only for VAR to come to Tunisia’s rescue.
