Flying Eagles player ratings : Abdullahi redeems himself, Sunday the best, Lawal creator, Ochedikwu spry

Nigeria's U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles were ruthless on Friday evening with a 4-0 win over Tunisia in the third place final of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.  

All Nigeria Soccer here presents the players ratings. 

The Starters 

Goalkeeper
 

Chijioke Aniagboso  : The goalkeeper had a very poor first half by his standards at this tournament. Aniagboso made some elementary mistakes that could have cost the team. He however pulled an elastic save in the second half to ensure that a cleansheet was kept. 6/10. 

Defenders 

Daniel Bameyi  : The captain once again played on the right back position in the game against Tunisia. He assisted Ibrahim Muhammad's 9th minute goal, a testament to his ability to join the attack from the right side aside his primary defensive duties. 7/10.

Solomon Agbalaka : The left back was impressive both on the defensive side of things as well as being an outlet when the team attacked. Clearly the best left back of the tournament. 6/10.

Benjamin Fredrick : The centre back was a revelation at the U-20 AFCON and was at his imperious best once again. His cool head belied his young age. He defended stoutly and also willing to progress out of the defence line with the ball. 7.5/10. 

Abel Ogwuche : Initially was not a starter in the team and only came off the bench as a substitute.  However, the red card handed to captain Bameyi in the group stage opened up the chance for the dreads-wearing defender. Ogwuche took no prisoners and was impressive this evening. 8/10.

Midfielders and strikers 

Onuche Ogbelu : He was impressive as expected and did handle the pressure of not having midfield partner, Daniel Daga very well.  Ogbelu was efficient in shielding the backline but he gave away possessions a couple of times. 7/10.

Caleb Ochedikwu : The attacking midfielder was handed his first and only chance to play in the tournament, replacing Muhammad Aminu in the starting lineup.  The skillful youngster's passing range was a joy to behold.  Why Ladan Bosso didn't play this boy earlier in the tournament was baffling. 7.5/10.

Samson Lawal : A great game for Lawal who produced two assists and also created some other scoring opportunities. He however spurned a good chance to score in the second half. 8/10. 

Jude Sunday : The winger was handed his first start of the tournament and he repaid the head coach with a quality performance.  Sunday scored two fantastic goals . 9/10.

Ibrahim Muhammad  : The winger is definitely one of the most influential players in the Flying Eagles.  Muhammad once again proved his mettle with a goal, the first of the game, and an assist to boot. 8/10.

Ahmed Abdullahi: The KAA Gent striker  had his best performance of the AFCON on Friday evening after laborious outings in previous matches.  He capped a fine game with one of the team's goals. Subbed off in the second half. 8/10. 

The Substitutes 

Adams Alade : Brought into the game in the second half. He certainly brought some urgency in the team but missed a fine chance to score towards the end of the match. 5/10.

Nicholas Jonathan  : Jonathan replaced the impressive Ochedikwu in the second half.  Jonathan rings an element of calmness to the team and it helped stem the attack from the Tunisians. 5/10. 

Haliru Sarki  : The ever lively Sarki came off the bench in the second half and had some good opportunities to get on the scoresheet. It never quite came off. 5/10.

Akanbi Jimoh and Ayuba Abubakar : The duo of goalkeeper Saheed Jimoh and striker Ayuba Abubakar were introduced late into the game and had no time to effect the match. The game was already won by the time they came on. Not rated.

Izuchukwu Michael
 

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