The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have booked their place in the semi-finals of the ongoing TotalEnergies CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt after prevailing over defending champions Senegal via a 3-1 penalty shootout victory following a goalless draw after extra time, Footynaija.com reports.
Flying Eagles goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was the hero of the shootout as he twice denied the Teranga Cubs from six yards. He saved Senegal’s first and third spot kicks, to not only secure Nigeria’s place among the last four, but also book their spot at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile later this year.
At the end of a keenly contested match, befittingly climaxed by the mellow-drama of a penalty shootout, Footynaija.com takes a look at how each Flying Eagle fared in the game.
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Ratings
GK – Ebenezer Ifeanyi Harcourt: 7.5
The Sporting Lagos shot-stopper stole the show during the penalty shootout with two saves to guarantee Nigeria safe passage to the quarter-finals. He also made some really decent saves during the game to keep the Flying Eagles in contention.
RB – Adamu Maigari: 6.5
Maigari had a decent game out on the right-hand side of defense. He was solid when asked questions by the Senegalese attack and also ventured forward to good effect on occasion.
CB – Daniel Bameyi: 6.8
An epitome of leadership and solidity all through the game. It was just another day at the office for the Flying Eagles skipper whose presence ensured Senegal’s attack was ably contained for most parts of the game.
CB – Emmanuel Chukwu: 7.0
Chukwu carried his usual air of composure from the game to the shootout as he proved nerveless from the penalty spot. The Germany based defensive talent made some vital interceptions and recovery to break down Senegal’s attacking threats during the game and that spot kick conversion was a fine way to cap things off.
LB – Odinaka Okoro: 7.1
Another outstanding performance from the Flying Eagles’ marauding left-back. Okoro once again owned Nigeria’s left-hand side of the pitch, defending brilliantly and contributing superbly in the attacking third. The young man is such a joy to watch.
CM – Suleiman Alabi: 6.5
Alabi got the nod ahead of Yusuf Ibrahim for this game and did a pretty decent job of controlling proceedings from the middle of the park.
CM – Israel Yuma: 7.0
Ayuma was not as involved in the attacking third as many would’ve anticipated upon seeing his name in the starting XI. However, the 19-year-old midfielder stepped up when it mattered to convert Nigeria’s third spot kick during the shootout.
AM – Divine Oliseh: 6.8
Oliseh was a lively presence in attack for the Super Eagles throughout his time on the pitch. Better decision making in a couple of attacking forays would have seen him have a much bigger impact on the game today.
RW – Clinton Jephta: 6.0
Jephta was perhaps the most quiet Nigerian attacker in today’s game but his work rate and vital contributions in defence was good to see.
LW – Bidemi Amole: 6.5
Amole’s pace and trickery was a thorn in the flesh of Senegal’s backline especially in the first half. The exciting winger just wasn’t able to find a perfect final ball despite causing all sorts of problems on the left.
ST – Kparobo Arierhi: 6.5
Areirhi put on a decent display at the top of that Nigeria attack. He showed great desire to get on the ball and his hold up play was really good but the Lillestrøm man just couldn’t get his name on the score sheet in today’s game.
Substitutes
Rickson Mendos: 6.0
Rickson replaced Amole ten minutes to the end of normal time and instantly made Nigeria a more threatening attacking force.
Yusuf Ibrahim: 6.0
Ibrahim came on for Alabi and just blended into the Flying Eagles setup without fuss. He put some really good balls over the top of Senegal’s back four but Nigeria just couldn’t profit
Precious Benjamin: 6.0
Benjamin came on late in the game to replace Oliseh and he went on to play a decent role in the Flying Eagles’ extra time dominance.
Tahir Maigana: 6.0
An exciting player to watch, 16-year-old Maigana showed flashes of his brilliance after replacing Jephta in extra time. He also forced a really good save from the Senegalese goalkeeper.
