From Cairo To Super Eagles: Three Flying Eagles Stars Who Caught Eric Chelle’s Eye at U-20 AFCON

From Cairo To Super Eagles: Three Flying Eagles Stars Who Caught Eric Chelle’s Eye at U-20 AFCON

By Admin 

While Nigeria’s campaign at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt ended in disappointment, it provided a silver lining in the form of emerging talent — and caught the attention of Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle. From the stands in Cairo, Chelle was reportedly impressed by several standout performances, with three players in particular drawing serious consideration for senior team promotion.

Odinaka Okoro – Composed, Courageous, and Ready

One of the brightest revelations of the tournament was 18-year-old left-back Odinaka Okoro of Sporting Lagos. A blend of fearless defending and intelligent forward runs earned him a spot in CAF’s Best XI of the group stage. His early assist in the tournament underlined his attacking instinct, while his positioning and quick decision-making proved crucial in Nigeria’s transitional play.

With senior left-backs Zaidu Sanusi and Jamilu Collins sidelined due to injuries, Chelle may be eyeing Okoro as a viable short-term solution — and perhaps a long-term heir to the role.

Daniel Bameyi – A Captain’s Calm in the Chaos

At just 19, Flying Eagles captain Daniel Bameyi anchored the defence with a maturity well beyond his years. Nigeria recorded three clean sheets in five matches under his leadership, despite falling short of the final. His standout performance came against Morocco, where his composure, vocal presence, and ability to read the game earned him Man of the Match honours.

With the Super Eagles facing a gradual transition in central defence, Bameyi is increasingly being viewed as a ready-made replacement, poised for a step up to the senior squad.

Ebenezer Harcourt – A Teenage Sensation Between the Posts

Perhaps the most astonishing breakout of the tournament was 15-year-old goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt. The youngest player at the competition, Harcourt’s calm presence and sharp reflexes were on full display, particularly in the dramatic quarterfinal shootout win over Senegal, where he saved two penalties.

Over five regulation-time matches, he conceded just two goals — a feat that signals promise at a time when Nigeria continues to search for long-term stability in goal. His rapid rise may soon see him feature in Chelle’s plans as a future number one.

Eyes on the Future

Coach Eric Chelle’s presence in Cairo was more than symbolic. Sources indicate he has already acknowledged the trio’s performances, and with the Unity Cup on the horizon, their elevation to the Super Eagles setup could happen sooner rather than later. Nigeria may not have claimed the U-20 title, but the emergence of Okoro, Bameyi, and Harcourt has offered a compelling glimpse into the future of the national team.

The outstanding performances of Nigeria’s young players at the U-20 AFCON not only had a positive impact on their careers but also caught the attention of top coaches like Eric Chelle. The three standout Flying Eagles stars are now seen as strong contenders to break into the Super Eagles squad in the near future. This spotlight on young talent highlights the importance of early development in producing the future stars of African football. Interestingly, amid the excitement of these achievements, entertainment platforms like 303VIP have also become an alternative space for fans to celebrate their favorite teams’ victories through various interactive activities offered