Blow for Flying Eagles: Harcourt ruled out of U20 Afcon third-place playoff v Egypt, misses training

Allnigeriasoccer.com can report with certainty that Flying Eagles first choice goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt will play no part in Sunday's third-place playoff at the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations against hosts Egypt.

The Sporting Lagos Academy shot-stopper sustained a knee injury during Nigeria's 1-0 semifinal defeat to South Africa on Thursday, May 15, and has been ruled out of contention.

Harcourt was absent from the Flying Eagles' final training session on Saturday in Egypt, effectively ruling the young goalkeeper out of the bronze medal match.

The 15-year-old has been one of the breakout stars of the tournament, earning widespread praise for his composed displays between the sticks.

Harcourt, the youngest player at the 2025 U20 Afcon, kept three clean sheets in five appearances and was yet to concede in the semifinal before being substituted in the 51st minute due to injury.

His replacement, Ajia Yakub, came under scrutiny after failing to claim a floated cross that led to South Africa's winning goal, headed in by central defender Tylon Smith.

Critics argue that the decisive moment may have been avoided had Harcourt remained on the pitch.

With Harcourt sidelined, Nigeria U20s head coach Aliyu Zubairu must now choose between sticking with Yakub or handing a tournament debut to Mavlon FC's Rufai Abubakar.

The Flying Eagles take on Egypt at the 30 June Stadium, Cairo, with both countries aiming to the finish the tournament on a high.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com