Flying Eagles player ratings: Harcourt the best, Oliseh lively, Ayuma industrious, Arierhi frustrated

Nigeria's U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, secured a dramatic 3-1 victory in a penalty shootout against Senegal in the quarterfinals of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations after a tense 0-0 draw in regular time.

Allnigeriasoccer.com runs the rule over the Flying Eagles on parade at the Suez Canal Stadium (Ismailia).

The starters

Goalkeeper

Ebenezer Ifeanyi Harcourt:  Made multiple crucial saves during open play, including a stunning effort from Seck and a 35-yard volley. He then produced two brilliant saves in the penalty shootout to send Nigeria into the semifinals. 9/10

Defenders

Adamu Bajibir Maigari: Solid defensively but offered little going forward. Kept his flank relatively quiet but didn’t influence the attack much. 6.5/10

Daniel Kolocho Bameyi: Decent leadership at the back but was occasionally caught off-guard. Made one risky defensive error in extra time. 7/10

Emmanuel Chukwu: Almost cost Nigeria with calamitous defending late in the game but recovered well. Showed nerves of steel to convert his penalty with power. 6.5/10

Odinaka Emmanuel Okoro: Booked in the first half and looked shaky at times. Struggled to contain Senegal’s pressure down his side. 6.5/10

Midfielders and forwards 

Sulyman Olalekan Alabi: Substituted in the second half. Did not stamp his authority in midfield and was largely anonymous. 5.5/10

Israel Ayuma: Energetic throughout and made a crucial defensive recovery after Chukwu’s error. Delivered dangerous set-pieces and scored his penalty confidently. 7.5/10

Divine Uchechukwu Oliseh: Combined well in attack and nearly scored. Substituted after suffering a head clash. 7.5/10

Clinton Degol Jephta: Quiet performance. Didn’t influence the game much and struggled to find space behind Senegal’s defense. 5.5/10

Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi: Got into promising positions and tried a few shots. Worked hard off the ball but had limited end product. 6/10

Bidemi Olalekan Amole: Missed a good chance in the first half and was subbed off before full-time. Ineffective overall. 5.5/10

The substitutes

Precious Benjamin: Brought urgency into midfield and tested the goalkeeper with a half-volley. Scored his penalty emphatically. 7/10

Auwal Ibrahim: Introduced in the 79th minute, he couldn’t replicate his heroic display against Tunisia.. 5/10

Tahir Maigana: Came close to scoring with a well-taken shot. Provided width and danger on the right. 6.5/10

Simon Cletus: Didn’t have enough time to make a significant impact but helped defensively. N/A

Rickson Mendos: Limited involvement after late substitution. 4/10

Wale Adejumo

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