Spirit Fight But Unlucky: Flying Eagles’ Rating In Defeat To Mali

Completesports.com’s ADEBOYE AMOSU appraises the performance of Flying Eagles’ players in their 2019 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final defeat to Mali at the Seyni Kountche Stadium on Wednesday, February 13…

OLAWALE OREMADE 6/10
Conceded for the first time in the competition. Should have done better, but for Mali’s goal scored by Amadou Traore in the 78th minute.

MIKE ZARUMA 5/10
Struggled to get going in the game. Looked suspect defensively and didn’t offer much up front.

JAMES OZORNWAFOR 6/10
Had a decent outing despite missing Nigeria’s first kick in the penalty shoot-out.

IGOR OGBU 5/10
Failed to track his man leading to Mali’s goal. Never really hit the standard set in previous games of the competition.

IKOUEWEN UDOH 7/10
Took his penalty well and was impressive all through. Unfortunately, he won’t have the chance of lifting the trophy on Sunday as his side will now have to fight for third place.

ADAMU ALHASSAN 7/10
The Kano Pillars midfielder was Nigeria’s top performer on the night. He directed proceedings in the middle of the pack and came close to breaking the deadlock with a longe range effort in the second half.

Also Read: Live Blogging – 2019 U-20 AFCON, Nigeria Vs Mali Semi-Final Match

IBRAHIM ALIYU 6/10
Started the the game brightly but fizzled out later. He was replaced by Adeshina Gata 10 minutes from time.

IBRAHIM ABUBAKAR 5/10
Maintained his place in the starting line-up despite his failure to make impact in previous games. Put up an average showing in the game.

ANIEKEME OKON 7/10
Came alive after the break, but unfortunately, missed the penalty that ultimately knocked the Flying Eagles out of the competition.

MOHAMMED JAMIL 7/10
Looked lively all through and came close to scoring the curtain raiser for Nigeria in the opening minutes of the game.

NAZIFI YAHAYA 5/10
Had an effort saved by the Malian goalkeeper in the second half. He was subbed off on the hour mark following another laboured performance.

SUBSTITUTES

PASCAL DURUGBOR 6/10
Scored the equalising goal for his side after replacing the ineffective Nazifi

MAXWELL EFFIOM 5/10
Missed a good chance to scored the winner in extra time . Scored Nigeria’s fourth penalty in the shoot-out.

ADESHINA GATA 4/10
Didn’t do too much following his introduction for Aliyu Mohammed 10 minutes before the end of the game.

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MAXWELL EFFIOM 5/10
Missed a good chance to scored the winner in extra time . Scored Nigeria’s fourth penalty in the shoot-out.

ADESHINA GATA 4/10
Didn’t do too much following his introduction for Aliyu Mohammed 10 minutes before the end of the game.