AFCON 2023: Agbalaka’s header hands Nigeria first three points – Player Ratings

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria secured their first three points of the 2023 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations thanks to a bullet header from Solomon Agbalaka.

Nigeria put up a better performance against hosts Egypt after their disappointing show against Senegal on day one.

Soccernet.ng rates the performance of the Flying Eagles players.

Chijioke Aniagboso 8/10: The Flying Eagles goalie had an excellent game. He made an excellent save that kept Nigeria in the game. He was also superb in aerial situations.

Augustine Njoku 7.3/10: Njoku has a wonderful game in defense. He was very strong and held his own whenever the Egyptians came calling.

Benjamin Fredrick 7.5/10: Fredrick was superb in defense. He held his own and was astute in aerial situations. He was hardly dribbled in the entirety of the game.

Daniel Bameyi 7.7/10: Bameyi had a great game. In fact, his last-ditch tackle late in the game saved Nigeria’s blushes. He proved to be a thorough captain, as he always had his teammates on their toes.

Solomon Agbalaka 8.3/10: Agbalaka had a great game. He was astute defensively. He put in a great shift, and he readily bumped forward to support Nigeria’s attack. He eventually got the reward for his struggles, as he scored the goal that gave Nigeria their first win of the competition.

Aminu Mohammed 7.5/10: The midfielder gave a good account of himself in midfield. He misplaced a few passes in the first period, but he improved in the second half. He supplied the assist for Agbalaka’s goal.

Onuche Ogbelu 7.7/10: Ogbelu was great in the centre of the park. His ball distribution was great and he made some great tackles to recover the ball when the Egyptians came knocking.

Samson Lawal 7.2/10: Lawal was solid. He misplaced a few passes in the first half, but he soon got into the groove in the second period. He held his own when Nigeria was defending their lead.

Rilwanu Sarki 6.7/10: Sarki was decent on the night. He failed to produce much in attack, and some of his crosses were wayward. But he helped out defensively.

Francis Ayuba 6.5/10: Ayuba could have done better. He had a few chances in the first half, but he failed to convert.

Ibrahim Muhammad

Olamilekan Adams