Flying Eagles Hit as Harcourt Ruled Out of Third-Place Playoff
The Flying Eagles have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their third place playoff match against Egypt at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, as first-choice goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt has been ruled out due to a knee injury. The Sporting Lagos Academy star sustained the injury during Nigeria's 1-0 semifinal loss to South Africa and missed the team's final training session on Saturday.
Harcourt, just 15 years old, has been a standout performer for the Flying Eagles throughout the tournament, keeping three clean sheets in five matches. His composed displays between the posts drew widespread acclaim, and he was yet to concede in the semifinal before being forced off in the 51st minute.
His replacement, Ajia Yakub, faced criticism after failing to claim a cross that led to South Africa's decisive goal, headed in by Tylon Smith. Some argue that the outcome might have been different had Harcourt remained on the pitch.
With Harcourt now sidelined, Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu faces a critical decision: either stick with Yakub, who finished the semifinal, or hand a debut to Rufai Abubakar of Mavlon FC for the crucial encounter against Egypt. The match is set to take place at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, with both teams eager to end the tournament on a high note.
Editorial
The news of Ebenezer Harcourt's injury comes as a bitter pill for the Flying Eagles. At just 15, Harcourt has demonstrated composure and maturity well beyond his years. His performance in the U20 Africa Cup of Nations has been nothing short of remarkable, highlighted by three clean sheets in five matches. His presence between the sticks brought a sense of calm and reliability that is rare for a player of his age.
The semifinal clash against South Africa was a prime example of how vital he is to the team.
The Flying Eagles have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their third place playoff match against Egypt at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, as first-choice goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt has been ruled out due to a knee injury. The Sporting Lagos Academy star sustained the injury during Nigeria's 1-0 semifinal loss to South Africa and missed the team's final training session on Saturday.
Harcourt, just 15 years old, has been a standout performer for the Flying Eagles throughout the tournament, keeping three clean sheets in five matches. His composed displays between the posts drew widespread acclaim, and he was yet to concede in the semifinal before being forced off in the 51st minute.
His replacement, Ajia Yakub, faced criticism after failing to claim a cross that led to South Africa's decisive goal, headed in by Tylon Smith. Some argue that the outcome might have been different had Harcourt remained on the pitch.
With Harcourt now sidelined, Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu faces a critical decision: either stick with Yakub, who finished the semifinal, or hand a debut to Rufai Abubakar of Mavlon FC for the crucial encounter against Egypt. The match is set to take place at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, with both teams eager to end the tournament on a high note.
Editorial
The news of Ebenezer Harcourt's injury comes as a bitter pill for the Flying Eagles. At just 15, Harcourt has demonstrated composure and maturity well beyond his years. His performance in the U20 Africa Cup of Nations has been nothing short of remarkable, highlighted by three clean sheets in five matches. His presence between the sticks brought a sense of calm and reliability that is rare for a player of his age.
The semifinal clash against South Africa was a prime example of how vital he is to the team.