The Flying Eagles battled to a hard-fought 1-0 win over hosts Egypt to get their U20 AFCON campaign back on track after opening day loss to Senegal.
SCORENigeria rates the individual performances of the victorious Flying Eagles.
8 Chijioke Anigboso
He made several big saves especially in the second half to keep the Flying Eagles alive. The bulky shot stopper justified his selection ahead of first-choice goalkeeper Nathaniel Nwosu. Should keep his place vs Mozambique Saturday.
9 Solomon Agbalaka Man Of Match
His powerful header off a corner gave Nigeria maximum points against the home nation and brought the Flying Eagles back to top reckoning after a losing start against Senegal. He was again solid at leftback.
6 Augustine Njoku
The Abia Warriors right fullback will need to step up his game as he is short in confidence even when he tries to go forward. Hopefully, he will come good as the team grow into the competition.
7 Daniel Bameyi
Effective in the heart of the back four and led the resistence against the pressure Egypt put on the team as they chased to get back in the game after Agbalaka’s goal.
7 Benjamin Frederick
He made some timely tackles and has continued to justify why he has been considered ahead of Sweden-based Abel Ogwuche. Growing in confidence.
7 Onuche Ogbelu
A battling performance by the young defensive midfielder, who proved that there is life even in the absence of star midfielder Daniel Daga.
7 Mohammed Aminu
Credited with the assist for the match winner courtesy of his corner. He tried to stabilize the midfield but still does not have the creative juice that the Flying Eagles desperately need.
6 Samson Lawal
A rather subdued display by the hard working midfielder. A lot more will be expected of him going forward.
7 Ibrahim Mohammed ‘Beji’
The winger again failed to deliver on results, but his commitment and endeavour cannot be faulted. He is still not at his best, though.
7 Francis Ayuba
The striker started his first game and gave what was expected from him – hard running, heart and putting his body on the line at all times.
6 Haliru Sarki
He was not on the same level as he was against Senegal. He will do far more as self-belief returns to the team after the win against the host country.
6 Jude Sunday
Showed some flashes when he was brought on. Probably needs to be given more confidence and responsibility by the team.
Jonathan Nicholas
A second-half sub in midfield who will need to do more. Not enough time to give him a decent rating.
Abel Ogwuche
Another late sub who did not get a decent time on the park to be rated.
6 Olamilekan Adams
Pressed on the Egyptian defenders and stopped them from going forward. Has put behind him a below-par performance vs Senegal.
Flying Eagles starting XI vs Egypt (4-3-3)
Chijoke Anigboso – Solomon Agbalaka, Augustine Njoku, Daniel Bameyi (Captain), Benjamin Frederick – Onuche Ogbelu, Mohammed Aminu (Jonathan Nicholas 87), Samson Lawal (Olamilekan Adams 59) – Ibrahim Mohammed ‘Beji’ (Emma Uchegbu 90+), Francis Ayuba (Abel Ogwuche 88), Haliru Sarki (Jude Sunday 59)
