AFCON 2023: Two rockets send Flying Eagles into the knockout rounds- Player Ratings

The Flying Eagles were not domineering in their first two games, but they turned a new leaf against Mozambique 

Nigeria’s Under-20 team the Flying Eagles defeated Mozambique 2-0 on Saturday to seal their spot in the quarterfinals of the 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Two rockets from Samson Lawal and Ibrahim Muhammad sealed the win for the seven-time African Champions.

Soccernet.ng rates the performance of the players on the night.

 

Chijioke Aniagboso 7/10: The goalkeeper did not have much to do unlike in the previous games. He showed great command of his area whenever crosses came in the box, and he had good communication with his defenders.

Solomon Agbalaka 7.5/10: Agbalaka had a great game. His marking was on point. He recovered the ball from a Mozambique player and passed it to Muhammad for the second goal. His work rate was also superb as he also bumped forward regularly to support Nigeria’s attack.

Daniel Bameyi 7.3/10: Yet another splendid performance from the captain on the night. Mozambique did not bother Nigeria’s defense much. But the few times that they did, Bameyi held his own.

Benjamin Frederick 7.5/10: Fredrick was stainless and aggressive. He hardly put a foot wrong. His tackles were on point, and he made it difficult for Mozambique to do much upfront.

Augustine Njoku 7/10: The fullback had a very good game. His work rate was immense, as he always supported the attack

Aminu Mohammed 7/10: Mohammed had a good game. He had few displaced passes, but he was full of running.

Onuche Ogbelu 7.5/10: As always, Ogbelu turned up for Nigeria. His ball distribution was superb, and his marking was on point. He also pushed forward more against Mozambique and offered more in the attack.

Samson Lawal 7.9/10: Lawal had a good game in the middle of the park. He showed a good understanding with Sarki on the right, and that actually prompted the first goal.

Rilwanu Sarki 7.3/10: The 19-year-old attacker played his best game since the tournament began. His runs were great. He had some very good dribbles and always kept the Mozambique side on their toes. However, he could have done better with his decisions making in some situations.

Francis Ayuba 6.5/10: Ayuba is yet to prove himself. He had few opportunities to create something or score, but he fluffed it. Still, it was a strong show from him.

Ibrahim Muhammad 7.5/10: Muhammad scored a beauty, probably the goal of the tournament. He nearly ran the Mozambique defenders ragged. He created some good chances and he also scored a beauty. Still, he has to do better with his decision-making.

 

Substitutes

Sunday Jude 6/10: Jude was introduced into the game as a substitute. He had a decent performance in midfield, but he did not offer much in the final third.

Olamilekan Adams 6/10: Adams came on as a substitute, replacing Mohammed. His speed troubled the Mozambique defense, but his decision-making was poor.

Ahmed Abdullahi 6/10: He had 30 minutes of action, but he failed to create much in the final third. Nonetheless, his work rate was immense.