Flying Eagles player ratings: Abubakar shot-stopper, Maigari star boy, Oliseh dynamic, Yakub improves

Nigeria's Flying Eagles defeated hosts Egypt 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to claim third place at the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

The win adds a fifth U20 Afcon bronze medal to Nigeria's impressive record in the competition.

Allnigeriasoccer.com runs the rule over the Flying Eagles players on parade at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo. 

The starters

Goalkeeper

Aliyu Yakub: He started in goal and delivered an improved performance throughout regular time. He commanded his area well, showing confidence in positioning and shot-stopping. Though substituted in stoppage time, his efforts helped keep the team in the game. 6.5/10

Defenders

Adamu Bajibir Maigari: Was dependable at left-back. He maintained good defensive positioning and tracked back well . 9/10

Auwal Ibrahim: Provided a solid defensive shield in midfield. His positioning and ball recovery helped the team maintain shape, allowing others to push forward. 7.5/10

Daniel Kolocho Bameyi: The team captain and center-back, was a calming presence in defense. He organized the backline efficiently, made crucial interceptions, and won important aerial duels, setting the tone for his teammates. 8/10

Emmanuel Chukwu: He struggled to impose himself defensively. He missed a few tackles and was unable to contribute much going forward, making it a quiet day for the right-back. 5.5/10

Midfielders and forwards

Israel Ayuma: He controlled the midfield with composure. He dictated the tempo well and connected the play effectively, proving vital in maintaining possession and launching attacks. 7/10

Sulaiman Alabi: Worked hard in midfield but was often stifled by Egypt’s compact defense. His creativity was limited, and he struggled to unlock opportunities. 6/10

Clinton Degol Jephta: He showed flashes of pace and skill but was unable to convert chances or consistently trouble the opposition defense. He was substituted at halftime. 5.5/10

Ezekiel Kpangu: He had a quiet game up front with limited involvement. He lacked service and was unable to make a significant impact before being replaced. 5/10

Yushau Armiyau: Showed good energy on the flank and supported both defense and attack before being replaced at halftime. His pace and work rate were positives, though he lacked consistent end product. 6/10

Precious Benjamin: The Hoffenheim starlet was the most threatening of the forwards, using his speed to create chances but fell short in finishing. He was substituted later in the second half. 7/10

The substitutes

Bidemi Amole: Came on at halftime and added energy to the attack. He helped stretch the opposition defense and contributed defensively as well. 6.5/10

Divine Oliseh: Replaced Yushau Armiyau and showed good movement and work rate down the right flank, providing width and support. 7/10

Tahir Maigana: Entered in the second half and brought fresh legs to the forward line, maintaining pressure but unable to change the scoreline. 6.5/10

Kparobo Arierhi: Also came on late to support the attack with pace and movement, helping keep the opposition defense on their toes. 6/10

Rufai Abubakar: He was the hero of the night. Substituted in goal in the 94th minute, he made crucial saves during the penalty shootout, securing victory for the Flying Eagles with calmness and confidence under pressure. 8.5/10

Wale Adejumo

Photo Credit: EFA

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