Former Nigeria star Dosu Joseph defends young goalie Ebenezer Harcourt despite errors in Argentina defeat

Former Nigeria goalkeeper Dosu Joseph has jumped to the defense of young shot stopper Ebenezer Harcourt despite errors in Argentina defeat.

The 15-year-old goalkeeper committed blunders, leading to the Flying Eagles 4-0 defeat to Argentina in the last 16 of the FIFA U20 World Cup tournament, being held in Chile.

Harcourt has faced harsh criticism as Nigeria crashed out of the World Cup tournament, where his early mistakes proved costly.

The young goalkeeper misjudged a cross that allowed Alejo Sarco to open the scoring in the second minute and later failed to stop Maher Carrizo’s free kick, which doubled Argentina’s lead.

Despite the errors, Dosu Joseph has urged Nigerians to show patience and support for the youngster.

“Remember that Harcourt is still a young and developing goalkeeper… all he needs now is a word of encouragement,” Dosu wrote on social media, warning that excessive criticism could damage the player’s confidence and growth” he said.

Dosu, who himself rose to fame as a young goalkeeper in the 1990s, reminded fans that mistakes are part of a player’s learning curve.

Before the World Cup, Harcourt had impressed with strong performances at the WAFU Zone B Championship and the U20 AFCON, where his penalty saves helped Nigeria win bronze. Though his form dipped in Chile—conceding in every match—the teenager is expected to learn from the experience and continue his development as one of Nigeria’s brightest goalkeeping prospects.