Nigeria's Flying Eagles take on the Amajita of South on Monday for a place in the final of the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu's team have enjoyed a tough run to the final, as they have had to play hard to get every win they've gotten in the competition so far. In fact, to get here, they had to even beat Senegal via penalty shoot-outs.
South Africa have not been exactly better though, as they lost to hosts Egypt in the group stage. However, they have bounced back well from that disappointment. The Amajitas even dispatched Sierra Leone 4-1.
All the four remaining teams in this tournament have qualified for the 2025 Under-20 FIFA World Cup. But there's still more to do, as the trophy is still at stake.
The Flying Eagles have some players who have been key to them reaching this point. And ahead of the game against South Africa, Soccernet.ng highlights them.
Ebenezer Harcourt
Ebenezer Harcourt was the star of the show in the semifinal against defending champions Senegal. He had a commanding presence in goal and made two big penalty saves during the shoot-out. So, obviously, the Flying Eagles can bank on him.
O goleiro Ebenezer Harcourt está simplesmente voando na CAN sub-20.
São TRÊS clean sheets em QUATRO jogos.
A questão é que ele só tem QUINZE anos. Sim, nasceu em 2009
Detalhe: salvou DOIS pênaltis para classificar a Nigéria para as semis.pic.twitter.com/jng6zKeQCK
— Ponta de Lança (@pontalancapdl) May 14, 2025
South Africa have taken a lot of shots in this tournament, and they will continue to do so. He has to produce another big performance on Wednesday.
Israel Ayuma
Ayuma was very impressive for Nigeria in the middle of the park against Senegal. His passing was good, and the work rate was effective.
That was obviously his best performance of the tournament so far. Ayuma had 60 touches, an 81% pass accuracy, two key passes, three clearances, and four interceptions.
The 19-year-old will look to produce another top performance like that to help the Flying Eagles get past South Africa.
Divine Oliseh
Divine Oliseh played his game of the tournament against Senegal. He was full of running for the entirety of the game.
Oliseh also created some good chances. But his finishing and decision-making were the only things that stopped him from getting and assist or a goal.
With better coaching from Zubairu, Oliseh could do South Africa some damage.
Precious Benjamin
Although Precious Benjamin was an 87th-minute substitute last time out, he looked quite decent during the period he spent on the pitch.
He made a few bad decisions, but he definitely looked like someone who could produce something in the final third. It is unlikely that he will start if Oliseh is fit enough to play.
Daniel Bameyi
Daniel Bameyi is still Nigeria's best performer at the Under-20 AFCON. He has been a stalwart at the back and a vocal leader for the team.
His partnership with Emmanuel Chukwu has been great in the tournament, and they will look to produce another solid show in midfield again.
