The Super Eagles of Nigeria lost 4-3 on penalities to the Leopards of Democratic Republic of Congo in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs in Rabat on Sunday night.Completesports.com’s ADEBOYE AMOSU appraises the performance of the players in the game.
Stanley Nwabali 7/10
Produced a superb save to deny Chancel Mbemba late on. He also saved twice in the penalty shootout.
Benjamin Fredrick 7/10
Another solid display from the young defender. He is surely developing into one of the best players in the team.
Semi Ajayi 7/10
Missed the decisive kick that cost Nigeria a place in the Intercontinental playoffs. The Hull City star however put up a good performance in the game.
Calvin Bassey 7/10
He formed a solid partnership with Semi Ajayi at the heart of the team’s defence. He however failed to convert Nigeria’s first penalty.
Zaidu Sanusi 6/10
The left-back didn’t contribute much in the game. He was replaced in extra time by Bruno Onyemaechi.
Wilfred Ndidi 6/10
Ndidi was responsible for the goal scored by Democratic Republic of Congo in regulation time. Not a good outing from the midfielder.
Frank Onyeka 7/10
The Brentford star gave Nigeria the lead after three minutes. He had a solid display in midfield.
Alex Iwobi 5/10
A disappointing display from the versatile midfielder. He was replaced by Tolu Arokodare in the 77th minute.
Ademola Lookman 4/10
Struggled to get going in the game. He was replaced by Chidera early in the second half.
Samuel Chukwueze 4/10
Moses Simon took his place in the 57th minute. He didn’t contribute much in the game.
Victor Osimhen 4/10
The striker was replaced at half time by Adams Akor
Substitutes
Adams Akor 6/10
The striker was isolated upfront after replacing Victor Osimhen. He scored Nigeria’s first goal in the shootout.
Chidera Ejuke 6/10
He did well after his introduction early in the second half.
Tolu Arokodare 4/10
The Wolves striker wasted a good chance in extra time. He was later replaced by Chidozie Awaziem.
Bruno Onyemaechi 5/10
Did his best to repel Democratic Republic of Congo’s attack after replacing Zaidu Sanusi. He also converted in the shootout.
Chidozie Awaziem
Not Rated
9 Comments
It’s now that the team is out that you are getting to know that Iwobi is the most overhyped player in the team.
He should focus on his social media and music career..
Under minimal pressure he gave the ball away opponents resulting in the goal..
He did similar thing against Gabon but Frederick athletism saved his blushes..
He got to start all matches despite being the weakest link in the team with no single goal or assist in over 10 matches of the qualifier..
Ndidi too was culpable for that goal..
The team lost most of the 50/50 balls in MF.. The lack of creativity and progressive play from the midfield rendered the winger and attackers stagnant
Chukwueze as usual contributed nothing ..
Lookman only created one chance..
I will continue to say it: only 10 of the current players deserve to continue..
No Local coach should be allowed near the team..
Chelle should be given free hand and contract extension..
He is yet to loose a single match since he joined the team.. He has won over 60% of the matches ..If he had joined the team from the qualifier, SE would have qualified as the group leader.
I believe he is thr right man to take the team to the next level. Let him take the team to AFCON and see if he’s learnt something from this disappointment.
I don’t know if you watched a different match. Dr Congo goal was caused by Alex Iwobi not Ndidi
No he is right, Iwobi and Ndidi were both culpable for the Gabon equaliser. Iwobi passed to ball to opponent in midfield and Ndidi passed the ball to the scorer in front of goal. Go watch it very well as you will see Ndidi gifted the ball to the Gabonese scorer of the equaliser.
Iwobi, Ndidi, Simon etc should now leave the scene for younger, fitter and pacier Nigerian players. Chelle need serious work to get decent midfielders, especially a creative ones.
Why was VO substituted? Agreed with this rating for all our back lines, they did real good but can we give tolu 1 1/2? Dude was way so useless like?
Amosu doesn’t know what he is talking about.
Iwobi was poor, and you still call him “versatile”?
The two players who missed their penalties get seven out of ten?
This is what happens when a once-great paper becomes complacent.
Just like the “$uper” €agles!
Chelle should not be sacked cos i know that is the next thing the NFF will do. The did a good job. I hv observed that the SE greatest weakness is the no 10 occupy by Iwobi. I like the guy . let him be in the setup but not midfield. We all saw how he lost possession so easily and that led to the equalizer. Iwobi lacks 80% of the qualities of a good no 10.. He was a disaster waiting to happened. Another player that shouldn’t be starting games is Chukweze no matter what he does in training.. with these fews changes we can bring back the nations cup which to me is within our reach
I think it’s time to invite Gift orban.Arokodare is not super eagle material !!!.The coach should find a way and convert Ejuke to No.10 if possible.Also,we should quickly start looking for a replacement for Ndidi.
Nevertheless the coach did a good job.
I absolutely agree with this. Ejuke is the closest to an Okocha-type of number 10. Iwobi does well offensively, but his main weakness is his lack of toughness in tackles. 9 out of 10 times when the ball is lost in the midfield, it’s usually him or Ndidi, who’s another softie with last-minute tackles. An Osayi or Frederick would have shot that ball out.
See watin dis one here dey yan now? Lmaaoo! Chaii! Nigreain ehnn??
So for yur own mind na, na Ejuke suppose be the No 10 ba? lool! and inside dis whole ting wey just happen ehnn, na Ndidi be de next one wey yuh see pik out for dat whole team, but Iwobi dey very ok ka gwanni? Ngwannu, I even sure sey for yur mind hin even be one of the best player for de team abi I lie?
Nigreain seem to have too many low IQ pipo running arand, running dem mouth and yannin pure nonsense!
Chaii, nna ehnn, de matter na serious matter oo!