The Flying Eagles of Nigeria sealed their spot within the semi-final of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations event by defeating Senegal on penalties, Soccernet.ng reviews.
From the group stage, Aliyu Zubairu’s boys have all the time been stable defensively, however their downside was discovering the again of the web, which surfaced once more as we speak.
Ebenezer Harcourt saved one other clear sheet for Nigeria, taking his whole within the competitors to a few in 4 video games.
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Right here’s how the Flying Eagles rated within the encounter:
Ebenezer Ifeanyi Harcourt (9/10)
The Sporting Lagos Academy goalkeeper made his towering presence felt on the again, claiming a number of crosses. He additionally made two excellent saves to disclaim the Senegalese staff twice from twelve yards, and was Nigeria’s hero for the day as he helped them declare a spot within the U-20 AFCON semi-final.
Adamu Bajibir Maigari (6.8/10)
Defensively, Maigari saved the suitable aspect locked for the Flying Eagles because the Senegalese left winger had his work reduce out. Offensively, he wasn’t distinctive, however he had sport via 120 minutes.
Emmanuel Chukwu (6.2/10)
The Hoffenheim U-19 defender had a couple of shaky moments within the sport, particularly in further time. His aerial presence beside Bameyi labored completely as he prevented the Senegalese attackers from claiming free headers in Nigeria’s field.
His penalty kick was additionally effectively struck to attain Nigeria’s second from twelve yards.
Daniel Kolocho Bameyi (7.5/10)
Captain Unbelievable. Bameyi saved his teammates within the sport via 120 minutes, always shelling out directions while ensuring no foolish errors occurred that might knock his aspect out.
Nevertheless, it was considerably shocking he did not step up in the course of the penalty shoot-out, contemplating he scored from twelve yards final day trip.
Odinaka Okoro (7/10)
Full of life in offence, stable in defence. The Sporting Lagos left-back has but to place a foot unsuitable in Egypt and has been a revelation for Aliyu Zubairu’s aspect.
He saved issues tight on the again and performed a number of killer balls into the ultimate third because the Flying Eagles went looking for a winner.
Sulaiman Alabi (6.3/10)
Alabi’s physicality got here in useful for Nigeria within the center as he received duels towards the Senegalese midfielders. He needed to come off within the 79th minute after a conflict of heads. He was changed by Auwal Ibrahim within the 79th minute.
Divine Oliseh (6.5/10)
It wasn’t the perfect sport of the event for Oliseh as he struggled to impose himself on the sport. He made method for Treasured Benjamin within the 87th minute.
Israel Isaac Ayuma (6.5/10)
Put in a workmanlike shift in midfield however didn’t notably stand out in a scrappy midfield battle. He scored the successful penalty for the Flying Eagles.
Bidemi Amole (6/10)
One other product of Sporting Lagos’ Academy. Amole did not have the perfect time on the pitch as we speak as he struggled to tackle his opponent. He was changed by Rickson Mendos within the 79th minute.
Kparobo Nathaniel Ariehri (6.5/10)
Within the absence of clear-cut possibilities, the SK Lillestrom attacker was saved to capturing from distance, however his effort on the pitch could not be faulted.
Clinton Jephta (6.7/10)
The Enyimba winger was a menace down the suitable for Zubairu’s aspect, however a sturdy Senegal defence meant he could not do a lot. He was changed by Tahir Maigana initially of additional time.
Substitutes
Treasured Benjamin (6.5/10)
Calmed any nerves by scoring Nigeria’s first spot kick within the penalty shootout, blasting the ball into the highest nook of Mouhamed Sissokho’s purpose.
Rickson Mendos (5.5/10)
Got here on to assist preserve issues tight in the midst of the park, however he struggled to meet up with the tempo of the sport.
Ibrahim Auwal (5/10)
Like Mendos, Auwal struggled to impose himself on the sport and was largely a passenger in further time.
Tahir Maigana and Simon Cletus did not make any noteworthy contributions of their time on the pitch.
