Nigeria and Morocco played out a goalless draw in their second Group B match at the ongoing 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations being hosted by Egypt, Soccernet.ng reports.
Both teams cancelled each other out in a game with very few chances to remain joint-top ahead of Tunisia who secured a 3-1 win over Kenya earlier in the day.
Here is how Flying Eagles players rated following a solid defensive showing and an uninspired display in attack.
Nigeria Flying Eagles player ratings vs Morocco
Ebenezer Harcourt, GK: 6.0
The Sporting Lagos goalkeeper had little to do but he showed good hands and a calm head whenever he was called upon. Morocco had no shot on target throughout the encounter leaving Harcourt with no save to make.
Adamu Maigari, RB: 6.1
A no-nonsense marker, Maigari took a while before he settled down into the game. He committed a few unnecessary fouls and gave the ball away a few times. But he grew into the encounter and delivered a solid display.
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Odinaka Okoro, LB: 6.5
The most exciting of Nigeria's defenders, Okoro showed good awareness in defence and a desire to support the attack when needed. He combined well with Jephta on the left flank but neither could deliver quality final balls to the centre forward.
Daniel Bameyi, CB: 7.0
Bameyi's experience was key for the Flying Eagles in defence. The Bayelsa United defender was adept at neutralising Moroccan attacks and made a vital interception in the first half to deny the opponent a certain goal. The teenager did not put a single foot wrong throughout the second half. He was Nigeria’s best defender by a mile.
Emmanuel Chukwu, CB: 6.1
Partnered Bameyi at centre-back but it was not his best performance for Nigeria. Made a few mistakes and gave away several careless passes. He however put in some crucial tackles to help the team and delivered a much improved showing after the break.
Clinton Jephta, LW: 5.5
A quiet game from the Enyimba winger. Promised a goal or an assist before the match but did not come any close to delivering on his promise. A poor, poor showing from the gifted winger.
Isaac Ayuma, CM: 6.0
Worked tirelessly in midfield to help Nigeria stand toe-to-toe against the Moroccans.
Bidemi Amole, RW: 5.0
Struggled to beat his marker on the right wing despite his pace and trickery. His poor showing ended when coach Aliyu Zubairu yanked him off minutes before the end of the first half. Disappointing from the usually dependable winger.
Precious Benjamin, CF: 6.6
Preferred in attack ahead of Kparobo Arierhi and he did not disappoint. Strong, fast and a hardworking, Benjamin pressed Morocco's defence non-stop. Smashed a freekick just over the bar in the first half and drew an excellent save from the Moroccan goalkeeper towards the end of the opening period. He put in another decent shift after the interval and was a bright spark in a dull attacking display from the Flying Eagles.
Divine Oliseh, CM: 6.4
Showed his top qualities as a fine box-to-box midfielder and helped to give the Flying Eagles a foothold in the centre of the pack against the North Africans. He is a big reason why Nigeria enjoyed a larger share of the possession in the match.
Auwal Ibrahim, CM: 6.1
His traditional bursting runs into the opponent's danger area were limited in this match but he still gave a good account of himself. Not his finest performance for Nigeria, though.
Flying Eagles substitutes
Rickson Mendos RW: 5.0
Replaced the ineffective Amole and showed urgency and fight, which was a bit too much at times as he was shown a yellow card for his troubles. Not much displayed quality-wise.
Maigana Tahir: 5.0
Introduced for the final ten minutes but it was not enough time to show the moroccans what he was about.
Kparobo Arierhi: 5.0
Entered the fray in the 80th minute at a time when both teams had subconsciously settled for the draw.
Suleman Alabi: N/A
