Super Eagles record breaker draws Manchester United to FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile

Manchester United have dispatched scouts to Chile to monitor Nigeria’s teenage goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, the 15-year-old sensation already rewriting the record books for the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.

Harcourt, born in October 2009, is expected to start for Nigeria at the FIFA U20 World Cup which begins this weekend.

Nigeria’s head coach Aliyu Zubairu has trusted the schoolboy to guard the posts on world football’s youth stage against seasoned opponents from Saudi Arabia, Norway and Colombia.

Ebenezer Ifeanyi Harcourt of Nigeria on the radar of Manchester United — Ebenezer Ifeanyi Harcourt on the radar of Manchester United. Photo by Ugbodaga Irabor Kennedy/Dagashotz Copyright: xxIMAGO

The Sporting Lagos product forced his way into international attention earlier this year at the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where he helped Nigeria to a bronze medal.

Harcourt’s standout display came in the quarter-final against Senegal, where he saved two penalties in the shootout to secure qualification for the World Cup. By the end of the tournament, he had kept three clean sheets and conceded just twice in regulation play, a record that rivalled the most experienced keepers in the competition.

Flying Eagles goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt — Ebenezer Ifeanyi Harcourt of Nigeria during the men U20 Caf Africa Cup of Nations Semi Final match between South Africa and Nigeria at Suez Canal Stadium on May 15, 2025 in Ismailia, Egypt. Photo by Ugbodaga Irabor Kennedy/Dagashotz Copyright: xxIMAGO

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His performances did not go unnoticed. Scouts from France, Belgium and Germany have been tracking his progress for months.

Now, Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, are now stepping up their interest for Harcourt, according to United In Focus.

The Saudi Pro League has also made enquiries, though his handlers are determined to prioritise long-term development over a quick move.

Flying Eagles captain Bameyi and goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt — Daniel Kolocho Bameyi and Ebenezer Ifeanyi Harcourt of Nigeria during the men U20 Caf Africa Cup of Nations Semi Final match between South Africa and Nigeria at Suez Canal Stadium on May 15, 2025 in Ismailia, Egypt. Photo by Ugbodaga Irabor Kennedy/Dagashotz Copyright: xxIMAGO

Harcourt already holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s youngest-ever international, after debuting in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) earlier this year with a clean sheet against Congo. Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle holds the young goalkeeper in high esteem.

What makes Harcourt remarkable is not simply his age but his poise. Coaches at Sporting Lagos recall him as a 10-year-old with startling self-assurance, organising defenders years older than him. That quality now defines his style. calm, decisive, and fearless in one-on-one duels.

Flying Eagles goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt and captain Bameyi — Photo by Ugbodaga Irabor Kennedy/Dagashotz Copyright: xxIMAGO

Harcourt represents more than just a promising keeper for Nigeria. In a nation renowned for its attacking flair, a goalkeeper of his pedigree emerging so young is rare. And with top clubs in Europe and the Middle East watching, the question is not if he will move abroad, but when.

As the World Cup begins, all eyes will be on him in Chile. If Harcourt carries his form into the tournament, Manchester United will not be the only heavyweight club adding his name to their scouting reports.

Source: Soccernet