Golden Eaglets player ratings: Agada scorer and creator; Eke promising; Lawali consistent 

The Golden Eaglets defeated the Amajimbos of South Africa 3-2 In their final group game of the 2023 U17 Africa Cup of Nations at the  Mohamed-Hamlaoui Stadium in Algeria on Saturday night. 

The win confirms Nigeria's place in the quarterfinals having secured 6 points from a possible 9, the same as table toppers, Morocco

Here is allnigeriasoccer.com's rating of  the Nigeria players. 

The Starters 

Goalkeeper 

Richard Odoh: Apart from the two goals he conceded which he could do nothing about, he was largely untested.  6/10

Defenders

Yahaya Lawali:  The Golden Eaglets player of the tournament so far was lively yet again. His attacking surge was vital whenever Nigeria attacked and it was his set-piece that resulted in the first goal. Another great outing. 8/10

Jeremiah Olaleke: He was very poor for the second goal, otherwise he was sharp defensively by winning most of his duels. He was also calm in possession. 7/10 

Tochukwu Ogboji: Ogboji was also involved in the second goal, he was dribbled too easily by Siyabonga Mabena. Apart from that, he was tidy defensively for most of the game. 7/10

Emmanuel Michael: The young left-back was outstanding. He kept Michael Fokunmu quiet. He was also good when he bumped forward, assisting Nigeria's third goal. 8/10

Midfielders and strikers 

Hope Linus: He wasn't as fantastic as his two previous games but was still decent with his duties. He shielded the ball well when he had a ball and won most of his duels. 6.5/10

Tochukuwu Ogbadibo:He was played in a more advanced role in the midfield as compared to previous matches and did his job well before he was substituted. 6.5/10

Usman Owoyemi:  Just as always, Nigeria's number 25 worked his socks off by closing down the South Africans whenever they had the ball though he didn't do much in possession. 6.5/10

Abubakar Abdullahi: Abdullahi was lively once again and would be glad to finally be on the scoresheet having failed to convert most of the chances that have come his way so far in this tournament. He showed good composure with his goal. 7.5/10

Charles Agada: He was handed his first start and was mesmerizing. Aguda was a thorn in the flesh of the South Africans and they would have been glad when he came off. He took his goal well and his pass to find Eke at the far post for the second goal is laudable. 9/10

Light Eke: Eke was also handed his first start and did well to justify his inclusion. His run at the far post to score Nigeria's second goal is laudable. He could have added a second but saw his shot hit the woodwork. Looks promising and worth keeping an eye on. 8/10

The Substitutes

 
Anongu Aondoakaa: He had nothing much to do as he came on at a time that Nigeria was trying to protect their lead and see out the game .5/10

Precious Williams: The skipper was named as a substitute for the first time in the tournament. He didn't make any significant contribution when he came on. 5/10

Ifeoluwa Olowoporoku: The Golden Eaglets' youngest player came on very late in the encounter and couldn't show his quality. N/A

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid
 

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