AVERAGE: Flying Eagles’ Rating In U-20 AFCON 3rd-Place Defeat To South Africa

Completesports.com’s ADEBOYE AMOSU appraises the performance of Flying Eagles’ players in their third-place match defeat, on penalties, to the Amajita of South Africa at the 2019 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Niamey, Niger Republic..

DETAN OGUNDARE 5/10

Made his first start of the competition for the Flying Eagles in this Third-Place match against the Amajita. Ogundare had little or nothing to do in the game. Failed to cover himself in glory by letting in all South Africa’s five spot kicks.

MIKE ZARUMA 6/10

Scored in the penalty shoot-out. It was also an improved showing from his previous performance in the competition.

JAMES OZORNWAFOR 7/10

Captained the Flying Eagles in the absence of Ikouwen Udoh who was left on the bench. A calm and composed performance from the centre-back who didn’t allow his penalty miss in the semi-final defeat to Mali affect his game.

IGOR OGBU 6/10

Formed a good partnership with James Ozornwafor at the heart of the Flying Eagles’ defence. He also moved the ball well from the defence.

SOLOMON OGBHEREBVA 6/10

Didn’t do badly in his first appearance in the competition. Proved to be a capable backup for Ikouwen Udoh.

PETER ELETU 5/10

Another player who made his first appearance of the competition for the Flying Eagles in the game. Put up an average showing in the middle of the pack.

IBRAHIM ALIYU 5/10

Toiled hard to impress in the game without much success. He was replaced by Nazifi Yahaya 20 minutes from time.

ADAMU ALHASSAN 6/10

He was one of Nigeria’s brightest players on the pitch. Alhassan’s missed spot-kick however cost Nigeria the game.

MUHAMMAD JAMIL 6/10

Full of energy in the match, but was unable to penetrate the South African defence.

MAXWELL EFFIOM 5/10

Started his second match of the competition. Put up an average showing against the physical South African defence. Also deftly converted Nigeria’s fourth penalty.

PASCHAL DURUGBOR 6/10

Didn’t do badly in his first start of the competition. Durugbor however couldn’t replicate his heroics like he did in the previous game against Mali.

SUBSTITUTES

IBRAHIM ABUBAKAR 4/10

Didn’t make much impact following his introduction for Peter Eletu in the 55th minute.

NAZIFI YAHAYA 4/10

Failed to add to his one goal tally in the competition after coming in for Ibrahim Aliyu 20 minutes from time.