The Golden Eaglets were slight favourites to get the win, but they just fell short after 90 minutes
Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets were knocked out of the 2023 Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations after a painful 2-1 loss to Burkina Faso in the quarterfinals.
On paper, Nigeria were the favorites to progress to the semifinal of the Under-17 AFCON and grab one of the available four tickets to the World Cup later this year.
However, Burkina Faso had other ideas on the night and a brace from Aboubacar Camara ensured that they progressed to the detriment of the two-time continental champions.
Soccernet.ng rates the performance of the players.
Richard Odoh 6.5/10: Odoh had a very good outing. He made his presence felt in goal, and made some great saves that kept Nigeria in the game. He never showed any sign of nervousness.
Jeremiah Olaleke 6.3/10: Olaleke had a decent game. His passing was good and he saved the Golden Eaglets once when he cleared the ball off the line. However, his center-back partner Ogboji let him down multiple times.
Tochukwu Ogboji 4.9/10: Ogboji had a night to forget. It was his air shot that have Burkina Faso the opportunity to score. Also, his clumsy tackle led to the penalty in the second half.
Emmanuel Michael 6.3/10: Michael had a good outing. He was almost the fourth attacker. His over-lapping runs added dynamism to the Golden Eaglets. He was found wanting on multiple occasions when Burkina Faso attacked. Still, it was a good performance.
Yahaya Lawali 6.1/10: He had a decent outing. Lawali was solid defensively and helped in the attack with his runs. However, his efforts never yielded fruits.
Tochukwu Ogbadibo 6/10: Ogbadibo had a decent game. He was solid in midfield albeit there were times he was nowhere to be found. Still, it was a decent performance from the midfielder.
Hope Linus 6.3/10: Linus was good in midfield. His passing was good on the night, and his ball retention was also brilliant.
Light Eke 6/10: Eke had a good outing, but he did not fashion out much in the final third. He put himself about and even helped with defensive work.
Abubakar Abdullahi 7/10: Abdullahi had a good game. He scored Nigeria’s only goal, but he could have done way better. He had many chances to score or create opportunities for his teammates, but he did not take them.
Usman Owoyemi 6/10: Owoyemi had a good game. His passing was good, and so was his link-up play.
Charles Agada 6.5/10: Agada could have done way better than he did. He missed a clear-cut chance at the beginning of the game. His decision-making in most cases was poor, and his finishing left a bitter taste in the mouth.
