At just 15 years old, Ebenezer Ifeanyi Harcourt has taken the Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 by storm.

The goalkeeper, who plays for Sporting Lagos Football Academy, has been Nigeria’s starting shot-stopper throughout the competition—an almost unprecedented feat for someone of his age in a continental tournament of this calibre.

Born on 21 October 2009, Harcourt is the youngest player at this year’s championship, but his composure, reflexes and maturity have matched, if not surpassed, those of his more experienced peers.

 As Nigeria prepares to face Egypt in the third-place playoff on Sunday, Harcourt has already cemented his reputation as one of the breakout stars of the tournament.

The Calm Commander of Nigeria’s Defence

Harcourt has started in all five of Nigeria’s matches en route to the third-place playoff.

From a 1-0 win over Tunisia to a goalless draw with Morocco and the dramatic penalty shootout victory over defending champions Senegal, the teenager has stood tall between the sticks.

He has kept three clean sheets and conceded just two goals in regulation time—one of the best records at the tournament.

His most defining moment came in the quarter-final against Senegal, where he saved two penalties in the shootout, leading the Flying Eagles to the semi-finals and securing Nigeria’s place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

That performance didn’t just win the match—it earned Harcourt admiration from scouts and fans across the continent.

A Star on the Rise

Harcourt’s rapid development began at Sporting Lagos Academy, where he joined at age 10.

Even then, coaches were impressed by his discipline, confidence, and natural shot-stopping ability.

Over the past year, he has rapidly climbed through the ranks, culminating in his surprise selection for the national U-20 squad—despite being nearly five years younger than many of his teammates.

“We knew we had something special,” one of his former coaches in Nigeria said during the tournament.

“He plays with the maturity of someone ten years older. His feet, positioning, and focus are elite for his age.”

Europe Takes Notice

With performances this compelling, it’s no surprise that European interest is growing fast.

Clubs in France, Belgium, and Germany are reportedly monitoring Harcourt’s progress, with several inviting him to training and assessment camps.

Nigerian Premier League sides have also expressed interest, but the focus from his handlers remains on steady development rather than rushing into a professional deal.

One European scout said: “If he receives the right guidance, he could be one of Africa’s top goalkeepers within five years.”

Eyes on the Future

As Nigeria prepare to face Egypt on Sunday in the third-place match, Harcourt will once again be between the posts.

Regardless of the result, this tournament has already been a turning point for the teenage sensation. In a position that demands maturity, decision-making, and courage, Ebenezer Harcourt has proven he belongs.

And for Nigerian fans dreaming of future glory, this young goalkeeper might just be the future.

-CAF

Morocco sealed their place in the final of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with a narrow 1-0 victory over Egypt on Thursday, setting up a decisive clash with South Africa, who earlier edged Nigeria 1-0 in the day’s first semi-final.

it was substitute Jones El Abdellaoui who proved to be the difference-maker, finding the back of the net in the 77th minute. The striker latched onto a well-delivered cross from Ismaël Aouad, calmly slotting home to give the Young Atlas Lions a deserved lead.

The North African derby was marked by its intensity and physicality, with both sides battling hard for supremacy. Egypt started brightly but found clear chances hard to come by, while Morocco gradually grew into the match, creating more meaningful opportunities as the game progressed.

Morocco’s dominance in possession began to tell in the second half, with Reda Laalaoui, Fouad Zahouani, and Hossam Essadak all testing Egypt’s backline with long-range efforts and clever build-up play.

The breakthrough came after a spell of Moroccan pressure, and despite Egypt’s late attempts to respond—most notably through Ahmed Kabaka and Mohamed Raafat—the Pharaohs could not find a way past Morocco’s resolute defense.

The Young Atlas Lions will now face South Africa in what promises to be an enthralling final on Sunday evening, while the hosts will look for a consolation bronze medal when they face Nigeria on the day.

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The renewed rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa has gained the attention of former Flying Eagles’ skipper, Andrew Uwe.

The former central defender led the Flying Eagles to their first-ever podium finish at the World Cup, finishing third in the Soviet Union after a hot battle with the hosts in 1985.

Uwe told the Sports Village Square that he monitored the team on CAF TV from his base in Germany.

“I am delighted to see the team maintaining their calmness in the nerve-wrecking penalty shoot-out after regulation time and extra time did not produce a winner.

It was in similar circumstances that Uwe’s Flying Eagles beat the Soviet Union in the third-place match 40 years ago.

Now, he wants the Flying Eagles to go further than just eliminating the defending champions, Senegal. “I want them to go for a record-extending eighth time win of the African title.”

Uwe led the Flying Eagles to win the African title in 1985 after a 3-2 aggregate defeat of Tunisia. It was the second time that Nigeria won the African title.

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