The Flying Eagles of Nigeria beat Egypt via penalty shoot-outs to finish third in the just-concluded 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s lads conceded very early, but they bounced back pretty well. However, they had to wait until two minutes into the second half to get the equalizer courtesy of Bidemi Amole.
The Flying Eagles created a lot of chances, but they failed to convert. Eventually, the game dragged into penalties.
That gave Nigeria’s third-choice goalkeeper Abubakar Rufai the opportunity to shine, as he saved two of the kicks he faced to help the Flying Eagles claim bronze.
In this article, Soccernet.ng rates the performances of the Flying Eagles players.
Ajia Yakub 6.7/10: Yakub did well to bounce back after the disappointment of the semifinal against South Africa, when he made an error that led to their goal.
The goal he conceded was not his fault. He did better in aerial situations and looked comfortable with the ball on his feet. He also made two good saves during the game.
Adamu Maigari 7/10: Maigari played his best game of the tournament, covering every blade of grass on the right side of the pitch.
His tackles were on point, and he pocketed the Egyptian attackers. He crowned it all by scoring his penalty kick during the shoot-out. It was not a surprise that he won the Man of the Match award.
Flying Eagles secure bronze with Maigana on target. #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/AromN0MgrH
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 18, 2025
Emmanuel Chukwu 6.8/10: Chukwu produced another strong defensive display. The Egyptians did not come calling a lot.
But he did well to keep them away, aside from the time when they scored. And that was hardly his fault. He also scored his penalty.
Daniel Bameyi 6.7/10: Bameyi continued from where he left off in Nigeria’s last game against South Africa. He was solid, vocal, and composed.
Auwal Ibrahim 6.2/10: The 19-year-old returned to the starting lineup after he was dropped against South Africa, and he had a decent outing.
However, he caused Egypt’s goal, as he was the one who kept the Egyptian players onside after the other three defenders set the trap. Ibrahim bumped forward a lot, but he did not offer much creativity.
Ezekiel Kpangu 6.1/10: Kpangu did not have a good showing against Egypt. It was just his second start of the competition, but he did not impress.
The 19-year-old midfielder lost the ball a lot of times and failed to create any big chance. It was not a surprise that coach Aliyu Zubairu cut his time short.
Israel Ayuma 6.7/10: Ayuma had another good game from defensive midfield again. He worked hard on the pitch, covered his backline well, and was afraid of venturing up the pitch.
He had some attempts, but he failed to convert. However, he made up for it by scoring his penalty kick.
Sulaiman Alabi 6.3/10: Alabi was decent today, but he failed to do much up front. He was full of running and chased down every ball.
Clinton Jephta 6.3/10: Jephta had a decent showing. He was very lively and made some good runs into the area, but he was not efficient enough. He had a good chance to score, but he fluffed his lines.
Precious Benjamin 6.7: The Hoffenheim attacker had a very good game. He put himself about and created some good chances in the box. He deserved an assist from the game at least. But he was let down multiple times.
Benjamin also had a big chance to score midway into the second half, when he was one-on-one with the Egyptian goalkeeper. But he failed to convert.
Yushau Armiyau 6.2/10: It was a sub-par performance from the 18-year-old forward. He did not look sharp enough. He offered work rate, but for an attacker, he needed to have done better.
Divine Oliseh 6.9/10: One thing the young midfielder offers in midfield is a lot of energy, and it was clear how he rose the levels upon his introduction into the game. His pressing was what led to Nigeria’s goal.
Oliseh could easily have had his name on the clean sheet if not for his profligacy in front of goal. Nonetheless, it was a good outing for him.
Bronze secured. Pride unmatched. Naija dance all the way! #TotalEnergiesAFCONU20 pic.twitter.com/c1dAuZSTFm
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) May 18, 2025
Bidemi Amole 7.3/10: Amole was the best forward in the game today. From the moment he got into the game, Nigeria’s attacking play improved. Fortunately for him, he scored the equalizer.