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Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured their place in the round of 16 at the AFCON 2023 following a hard fought 1-0 win against Guinea-Bissau.
The Eagles had to rely on a first half own goal to record their second win of the tournament.
Following the win against Guinea-Bissau, here is how Completesports.com rated the Eagles players.
Stanley Nwabali
Another calm and assured performance from the new first choice Super Eagles goalkeeper as he took care of what was thrown at him – 6
Ola Aina
Started off on the left-back position before shifting to the right when Zaidu Sanusi came on.
Just like in the game against Côte d’Ivoire, Aina put in another five-star display – 7
Calvin Bassey
Was solid at the back with his tough tackling style and also bombed forward when necessary to help the attack – 7
Semi Ajayi
Received an unnecessary caution and almost gifted the opposition a goal following a careless back pass but have Nwabali to thank for clearing the danger – 5
Kenneth Omeruo
Wore the captain’s armband in the absence of William Troost-Ekong and was impressive throughout the game – 6
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Was unlucky not to crown his performance with an assist as his pass to Victor Osimhen which ended in the net was disallowed for handball – 6
Joe Aribo
Made his first start in the tournament but did not do enough to convince the coaching crew for a place in the first eleven – 5
Frank Onyeka
Another industrious and hardworking performance from the midfielder and had to go off due to tiredness – 6
Also Read: AFCON 2023: Eagles Win Over Guinea-Bissau Not Convincing –Yobo
Moses Simon
Was the most lively among the Eagles forward players and was rightly named Man of the Match.
It was his dangerous cross that saw Guinea-Bissau player slot the ball into his competitive win net.
Set up Alex Iwobi after brilliantly beating his marker but the Fulham star missed the target
Could have doubled the Eagles lead but failed to beat the keeper inside the box – 8
Samuel Chukwueze
Provided a brilliant pass to Simon who failed to make it count and put in a very hardworking performance – 6
Victor Osimhen
Was unlucky to see his goal disallowed for handball and also missed two good headers.
It was his threatening presence that forced Guinea-Bissau player to turn the ball into his own net.
Need to start putting away scoring opportunities especially now that the team is heading into the knockout round – 6
Substitutes
Raphael Onyedika
Had his first appearance in the tournament and looked decent especially with the ball on his feet and his marking ability – 6
Alex Iwobi
Almost marked his second half introduction with a goal but could not direct his effort at goal.
His introduction added more pace and directness in the Super Eagles midfield – 6
Ademola Lookman
Came on to help add bite in the attack and almost created a scoring chance after getting into good position from the left, but his cross was quickly blocked away – 6
Zaidu Sanusi
Thought he had made it 2-0 for the Eagles after coming on in the second half but it was disallowed for handball.
Sent in a dangerous low cross which was not taken advantage of by the Eagles players inside the box – 6
Chidozie Awaziem
Was brought on for his first appearance in place of the impressive Aina just to help see out the game – 5
8 Comments
It is clear you do not know what the word “Outstanding” means
What nonsense rating is this. The only ones to be getting good grades here are the defenders. From the midfielders to the attackers they were just garbage. You giving moses that was missing chances here and there.
Lol in one sentence you say Moses Simon was outstanding the next you said Lookman came in to add bite to the attack..if Moses Simon was outstanding we would not need bite in the attack..look CSN the attack Midfield were garbage and why is Lookman and either Iheanacho or Moffie starting with Osimhen.. Aribo is Useless Osayi is useless intact they were all useless today except Bassey
Lol in one sentence you say Moses Simon was outstanding the next you said Lookman came in to add bite to the attack..if Moses Simon was sooo outstanding we would not need bite in the attack..look CSN the attack Midfield were garbage and why is Lookman and either Iheanacho or Moffi *NOT* starting with Osimhen.. Aribo is Useless Osayi is useless intact they were all useless today except Bassey
Moses Simon should not make the team starting lineup again.
We all hailed the superb performance of the Super eagles against the ivorians but yesterday’s performance was shambolic, atrocious and lethargic. We could hardly spring 10-correct passes together. Going-forward, any opposition we meet now will be a hard-nut to crack because no team at this level of the competition will want to go home so early.
the issue at is very simple, same issues goes to all other big teams in this competition.
check all the big teams, they alls struggled, exception to Senegal….The big teams in this competition has never taken the smaller country seriously, until they get to the field of playing, then suddenly they realized not what we planned for…to change tactics and stamp authority becomes very difficult.
SUPER EAGLES that played yesterday…were given instruction, go there and make things simple as we already qualified, also, against the expectation of many, even on this platform, we thought COTEDEVOIR will rost and Fry Equitoria GUINEA…many thought Nigeria and cotedevoir wil qualified and the player should just take things easy..- alas!!, that wasnt the case..the tide seriously changed. None of us saw it coming at all…even Ghana and MONZABIQUE..AH!! GOING FORWARD…WE SHOULD REALIZE THIS..
1. NO MORE SMALLER NATION OR TEAM,
2. YOU DONT HAVE TO PLAY FANCY FOOTBALL TO WIN…WHAT MATTER AT THE END IS RESULT…
3. LET’S TREAT ALL TEAM WITH RESPECT AND READY TO PLAY AS THOUGH IT’S THE FINAL
4. THE PLAYERS WHO PLAYED AGAINST COTEDEVOIR AND THE MIND SET WHICH SUPER EAGLES WENT INTO THE FIELD OF PLAYING SHOULD CONTINUE EVEN IF ITS SAO TOME AND PRINCIPLES WE ARE FACING…
Seriously, you dont change a winning team,..i wasnt expecting the coach to change the team that played agaisnt cotedevoir..it’s a long competition. They have to get used to one another more..team bonding is necessary in our national team biko
Man u if monitoring the keeper already. They already send scout to Cote D’Ivoire.