The Super Eagles secured a superb 2-0 win against old rivals Cameroon in Saturday’s round of 16 clash at the AFCON 2023.
A brace from Ademola Lookman helped Jose Peseiro’s men into the quarter-finals where they will face Angola on Friday, 2nd February, 2024.
Here is Completesports.com’s Super Eagles player ratings against Cameroon.
Stanley Nwabali
Was never under any form of threat throughout the period he spent on the pitch but had to go off injured – 6
Ola Aina
Had a very good opportunity to double the Eagles’ lead but saw his effort blocked.
Another fine defensive performance from the defender – 7
Semi Ajayi
Thought he had given the Eagles the lead in the first half but saw his effort ruled out for offside.
Did not allow the disappointment of seeing his goal disallowed affect his performance – 7
William Troost-Ekong
Made a timely block inside the box which prevented Cameroon’s Frank Magri from making it 1-1.
As usual commanded the defence line brilliantly and was dominant in the air – 7
Calvin Bassey
Provided the assist for the Eagles second goal which ended Cameroon’s hopes of fighting back.
Was shifted to the left side of the Eagles defence and was still very impressive – 7
Also Read: AFCON 2023: Lookman Wins Man-Of-The-Match Award In Super Eagles’ Win Over Cameroon
Zaidu Sanusi
Was guilty of some sloppy play and looked to be the weakling in the Eagles backline as the Cameroonians tried to take advantage – 5
Frank Onyeka
Put in one of his best performances for the Eagles as he was breaking play and also helped launch attacks.
Almost got on the score sheet after winning the ball in the midfield but was foul on the edge of the box – 7
Alex Iwobi
Was involved in the buildup to the second as his quick through pass found Bassey who squared for Lookman.
Missed a good chance after receiving a pass from Lookman, completely firing way off target – 6
Ademola Lookman
Put in his best performance in a Super Eagles shirt with two well taken goals.
Created two good chances for Iwobi and Ola Aina which they failed to put away – 9
Victor Osimhen
His resilience and fighting spirit led to the first goal as he outmuscled the Cameroon defender before laying the ball for Lookman to open the scoring – 8
Moses Simon
Put in a hardworking display but did not really offer much in the attacking third – 6
Substitutes:
Francis Uzoho
Came on for the injured Nwabali but didn’t have much to do thanks to a solid defensive wall in front of him – 5
Kenneth Omeruo
Had to be introduced as the Cameroonians were all over the Eagles defence and his introduction helped solidify the defence – 6
Paul Onuachu
Replaced Osimhen in added time and used his big frame to draw fouls and also forced the opponent to give away throw ins – 6
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Was introduced but didn’t do much as the game was already won and lost – 5
Photo by Ganiyu Yusuf, in Abidjan
29 Comments
What makes this victory so special is that we just beat a really formidable opponent.
Cameroon were not bad at all. Full of energy and hunger, they played with great urgency and purpose.
They just couldn’t break down the Nigeria defense, which was key.
Those days of praying to win a match is gone now for eagles. Those days of telling eagles to watch how falcon and falconet plays are gone ..now bring any opponent. The coach now knows how to Play his boys . Not all team are Sao Tome . Going ahead he can now looks for the missing link in eagles for 100% efficiency. For now the team is 65% running. . All those miss goals wil gradually stats ending in the next.. and u wil see that there are still minnows in African football. U can imagine if dey had handled equitorial guinea this was not to talk of guinea Bissau or Tanzania or Madagascar or leasotho.wat would have been the score? …
If this team start converting chances consistently, our opponents go hear am.
Solid defense, potent attack.
This is the best game l have ever seen super eagle played. They were marvelous in all departments. wish our goalkeeper speedy recovery. To beat Angula is a task that must be achieved in our next game. l pay my almost tribute to the coach from Portugal. We must not allow Angula sends us home now.
Give Pesseiro his flowers for carving out a masterclass formation, for not succumbing to pressure to field certain players who don’t give their best for team.
Nwabali get well soon for the next match. What a GK! He is the discovery of the tournament. Great distribution and control of the backline and his box. Rush out when he needs to. He is cool, calm, calculated, and classy!!
Aina highly skillful, tactically gifted. This guy can play defence, midfield, and attack. Carries threat from everywhere on the pitch.nt Forget Hakimi, Aina is the real deal !!
Ajayi; strong, hard tackling, and calm on the ball (reminds me of Taribo and Uche Okechukwu)
Ekong growing to become oyinbo libero, strong in the air and risk manager
Bassey tough, strong, agile, and robust (Left footed Taribo)
Sanusi: tactical defender and good on one on one marking, just needs to step up his passing and crosses
Onyeka : the midfield generalissimo, very strong tackling and great recovery
Iwobi: beginning to exert his presence as the team progresses. Good passing skill. The best passer of the ball
Moses: workaholic and enterprising display. The invisible element that bslances the formation.
Lookman: the best partner for Osi9, electrifying and direct attacking threat
Osi9; the greatest gift to Nigerian soccer after Yekini. Always ready to play his heart out.
Omeruo: the most consistent Super Eagle player in the last decade. He is a leader.
1. What can I say about this national treasure called victor osinmhen ?
2. Lookman playing as if he was born in Nigeria, very tenacious.
3. Ekong becoming mature and finer with age.
4. Sanusi didnt remind me of anything good as a left back.
5. Bassey was better in his two positions he played, even played the left back position better than sanusi.
6. Iwobi was too clympsy with his passes aside the bulidup to the second goal.
7. All other players were just too good.
I’ll love the coach to drop Zaidu, move Calvin to that left wing back, bring Omeruo to replace Calvin in that three-man defence, and instruct Moses to be more adventurous. Moses is far more useful to the team than Chukwueze, especially when defending. He’s the reason Aina has been adventurous but I’ve not seen him contribute much when going forward.
Iwobi hasn’t hit the right form, especially with regards to influencing the game like a real playmaker should do. But his occasional brilliance can be very vital in the final third. Reason we still need him.
All those irrational emotionalists who wrote off the Super Eagles a fortnight ago should be ashamed of themselves.
Complete Sports, why score players who were on the pitch for 5 minutes and less? Please find out how Sofascore uses a computerized scoring syeten and stop biting fingernails and cooking figures
Nice rating though I expected something a bit different. But when you’re winning, the World flows in that space, lol.. I wish to know how completesports arrive at its rating because this is clearly a game changer, albeit a silent one. S.E, remain flying into the future, never look back for the sake of Nigerians who are very proud of you.
Iwobi and Za idu were the weaklings in the match based on performance rating.
We are proud Nigerians!!! Up Super Eagles of ‘Nigeria.
Me think this is supposed to be on statistical algorithm, calculated live during the game which includes more than 300 real time statistics in the calculation of a play rating, and according to their influence during match time. Every happening on the field of play is taken into account, with a positive or negative effect on ratings weighted in relation to its area on the pitch and its outcome.
Lookman and Osimhen should be scored 9.5 apiece considering the two goals scored and Osimhen carrying the entire team on his shoulders, playing no 9,7 and forced into 10 because iwobi wasn’t in the game for the entire duration, sentiment apart. By and large, it was nice seeing the boys expressing themselves and also sending jitters in that direction. Other countries are now on their guard for the game has once again been raised. Good luck Super Eagles! God bless Nigerians!!
Iwobi wasn’t in the game and he lasted 90 minutes. You think the coach na mumu like you. Some people will just be writing rubbish. Why don’t you commend all the players for job well done and leave the tactics to the one in charge of the team because football is not your way at all.
You talked to me in such manners, are you maad? Why not see the clips again and stop being sentimental, you tribalist. It’s obvious you didn’t watch the match even. Sincerely speaking, Iwobi was minus one in that game and am sure Jay jay, his cousin will attest to that.
@Tayo
Iwobi was on his *own*
Iwobi was on his only but you brought him out bcos of you little brain. Now the boys are hacking, you’re crying, lolo! It doesn’t look like they’re stopping hahaha. Csn, abeg give us accurate rating next time.
*methinks
I notice a significant shift more like a celebral, a game changer in the house. Osdion kena
My brother na true.
Xaidu and that Iwobi are supposed to be unrated, bench because they weren’t in this game and that almost caused us heart attacks in the viewing center at Olodi Apapa, only Osimin running around in energyk. We were there to watch this match wen napa took light. Pareso should not invite this peoples.
Calvin Bassey should be drafted back to his traditional left full back (no. 3) position ASAP, his got something big to offer there, he can easily deliver crossed that will lead to goals
All those people typing nonsense on this rating must shootup. Iwobi with his wig dancing kokoma with his yash, playing rubbish. Completesports, na waoooo. Osimhen rating8 when he should be 10/10. Even Asamoah Gyan noted Osimhen’s passion for Nigeria. Anyway, nice rating besides those flaws.
Iwobi and Sanusi should come from the bench if at all. Samuel Osayi and Yusuf should start our next match. I even wonder why the coach bench Osayi most especially till later on.
Let me chip in that it was an emotional ringer watching our Super Eagles play their hearts out, but some moments were particularly hard to stomach, we move! For me, the victory gave us rooms to celebrate and apparently, rating players will always spark debate. It’s subjective by its very nature, and one would expect, Nigerian fans will continue to bring their own views to the table over what each rated number means to them. That’s fair enough. Let’s start preparing for our next match come Friday.
Really I don’t support a change to the back three.
I believe bassey plays better in a back three. I also want sanusi to retain his position too. You see these players have played together now for some matches with this formation. Don’t change anything.
Sanusi might not have offered anything offensively but he has not being ooor defensively. Moreover sanusi has the experience in Europe and champions league. You can never tell, he can bring his A game any moment.
We should learn that we must not always condemn or write a Nigerian player or pesero.
It’s going to be too risky to bring in onyemachi at this stage.
Stop commenting out of point if at all. This is about rating. Where i think csn raters missed it is rating iwobi at all. He should ve been rated 0%. I just finished watching the clips again. Zaidu also fvckedup but was miles better.
Person wey kill elephant, lion no be problem na.
I hope say unu never finish the lion meat ooo.
I need my own share of roasted lion meat.
When Rohr was here, we chop lion meat taya.
Now with Peseiro, we still dey wack lion meat.
We chop elephant last week. This week na lion dey the menu.
But jokes aside, what a game of football! Incredible entertainment, all action, drama filled game.
Cameroon was full of energy, they brought their physicality, played with purpose. It was not a small team we defeated today.
Congrats to the entire team. Now, we need to stay focused!
Nigeria v Cameroon: 2-0 (Retrospective Player Ratings)
Jose Peseiro is now just one game left to meet his Afcon target of reaching the semi-final with the Super Eagles’ riveting and awe-inspiring 2:0 R16 win against Cameroon this weekend.
Having had a Semi Ajayi goal ruled off for marginal offside earlier in the match, a Lookman brace secured the victory in a night of unspeakable joyfulness for Super Eagles fans and wider stakeholders.
The Super Eagles will now face another tricky tie against giant killers Angola in the quarter final.
Below are my player ratings:
1. Stanley Nwabili: he delivered a performance that showed how mature he has grown in this tournament. He read dangerous situations very well on several occasions like coming out of his area to kick the ball away from danger. His distribution was on point as these either found his colleagues or caused Cameroon problems (one that located Aina and another that led to a throw in after Osihmen’s hussle caught the eye). He continues to imbue his overall presentation with a sense of confidence and assurance not just in how he posture helped to keep Cameroon at bay, but how competent his movements were. He sustained injuries twice in the line of his duties, hopefully he recovers in time for the quarter final as the psychological air of confidence he has brought to that department will be harmed in his absence. 7.5/10
2. Zaidu Sanusi: his throw in always had the potential to cause anxieties to Cameroon. Although a few crosses were overcooked, the intentions were clear and respectable. He played in part in Peseiro’s long ball strategy as one from him almost found Osihmen who was flagged off for a marginal offside. He was also sturdy in his defensive duties, often shielding his area and forcing Cameroon defenders wide before they resorted to wild and aimless crosses. He created an outlet offensively but most of these attacking potentials were left unfulfilled. It was a performance that brought satisfaction but there is scope for him to elevate the quality of his deliveries. 7/10
3. Ola Aina: his cross field long crosses into dangerous areas were a nightmare for Cameroonian players to grapple with. He was also neat and tidy with his tackles which underscore his competence in the physicality of the African game. Al it took at times was a simple touch of the ball to make it go into throw in for methodical Cameroonian attacking passage of play to break down. He tried to execute a chipped 1 – 2 manoeuvre with Frank Onyeka which added flair to the Super Eagles game. I saw him retrieve the ball from a Cameroonian and then swiftly instigate a positive passing move. One cross field long ball almost located a hard working Lookman inside Cameroon’s 18 yard box. He had one fabulous low shot blocked by a Cameroonian player after an excellent passage of passing-play from Simon, Lookman and Osihmen – it could easily have been a goal. Aina delivered an excellent performance offensively and defensively that was almost blessed with a goal. 8/10
4. William Troost-Ekong: he was simply unplayable in the air as he won aerial battle after aerial battle – before I stopped counting he had won 5 aerial battles which could have been problematic. He also did the job of Nwabili twice as he successfully mounted a goal saving blocks to frustrate the Cameroonians and eliminate the threat before reaching our goalkeeper. He executed an unbelievable headed pass from deep midfield to Osihmen who almost latched on to it before Cameroon’s keeper came to catch. There was one clearance he made shortly after a Cameroon throw in. In all, Ekong showed himself to be a true leader and a behemoth in defence. He also played a huge part in orchestrating subtle attacking initiatives. This has to be by far the best tournament he has had with Nigeria to date. 8/10
5. Semi Ajayi: he had a well taken goal chopped off in what I deem to be controversial circumstances. Yes, when Simon played the initial shot, Ajayi was behind the goalkeeper and thus offside. But, in a millisecond, the goalkeeper punched the ball to Ajayi at a time Ajayi was on par with him thereby cancelling his initial offside position. Anyway, Ajayi almost cost Nigeria a goal after losing the ball in midfield which led to Cameroon swarming Nigeria’s area before being repelled. That aside; he won a lot of physical battles to thwart Cameroon. His communication with his defensive colleagues was spot on. For the most part, he was dialled in and maintained composure when required. In all, Ajayi was decisive apart from the one moment of lapse that I observer. 7/10
6. Calvin Bassey: he won a lot of physical battles and looked very assured when with the ball. He would often force Cameroonian strikers wide and he seemed to have defensive solutions for all the problems posed against him by Cameroon. His anticipation was top notch as he would run forward to execute tackles and intercept dangerous opposition passes before these can snowball into something really dangerous. Nigeria’s second goal was all about him. Firstly, he casually travelled with the ball into an offensive area before being fouled out of frustration. He then formed part of a triangle of 3 players whose give and take passes led to Lookman’s second goal. This was a measured and truly impactful performance from Bassey who was deadly with or without the ball. 8/10
7. Alex Iwobi: he drove the ball forward, albeit in short distances, with authority and intent on a number of occasions. I noticed one or two really promising Nigerian chances collapse so close to Cameroon 18 yard box because of poor touch from Iwobi. But, by and large majority of his short passes were either executed to perfection or they almost located their intended recipients. He was also instrumental in Nigeria’s second goal as he was well positioned to receive and then release the pass just outside the 18 yard box for the cross that led to the goal. Iwobi covered a lot of grounds. As a senior midfield player, I expected a bit more finesse (like doing better with one shot he had on goal), better first touches and greater vision from him. But the intentions were there and his hard work and determination came through in how he tried to be in promising areas and how he tried to keep the machinery of the team going with neat and simple passes. 7/10
8. Frank Onyeka: he rightly earned his title of “the Tank” today with a midfield performance characterised by brute and beautiful midfield play which sabotaged efforts of Cameroon time and time again. I loved how he stole the ball from a Cameroon (like an expect Pick-pocket) before threading a delightful pass upstream to instigate an attacking manoeuvre for Nigeria. There was a situation where 3 Cameroonian strikers were mounting an assault against our 3 Nigerian centre backs. From nowhere, Onyeka just arrived on the scene, retrieved the ball and then turned the table with a pass to opposition area – simply and utterly brilliant. He did a Yusuf by running with the ball from midfield close to Cameroon’s 18 yard box before being fouled in a dangerous area. Barring injury, it is hard to see how Yusuf will wrest a starting berth from Onyeka on this form in a formation that only accommodates 2 midfielders. 8/10
9. Moses Simon: most of his hard work went unnoticed because he was a thief. Moses was always either looking for loose balls up front or trying to nick the ball from the Cameroonians in dangerous areas. He helped the team to maintain the structural integrity of the formation when not in possession and he chipped in defensively severally, even earning a yellow card. One nice cross from right wing by Simon was begging for connection inside the 18 yard box. By just being a nuisance, he kept the Cameroonian defenders on their toes but he was less influential with the ball as he would have been on the left (where Lookman now has a stranglehold on). 6.5/10
10. Victor Osihmen: very early in the game, it was clear that Osihmen will be a nightmare for the Cameroonian with his pace and pressing executions. There were no lost causes for this guy. He ran into space of all – I mean all – the long balls that were launched at him or into space with forcefulness, gusto and vigour. He tried to execute an exquisite 1-2 passing manoeuvre with Lookman after good work from Iwobi earlier on. He launched one beautiful long ball to Moses Simon from deep in midfield that had to be repelled to by Cameroon. His marauding runs into dangerous areas caused Cameroonian defenders and goalkeepers so much headache and his Super Eagles colleagues even from the bench descended on the officials to offer Osihmen much protection. For Lookman’s goal, he was on the Cameroon defender like a rash, capitalizing on the defender’s poor touch to nick the ball and square across 2 players to Lookman who did the business. Osihmen came to life in this game. Apart from scoring, centre forwards are to create openings and help pin back the opposition. Osihmen was colossal! 8.5/10
11. Ademola Lookman: His corner kick caused and persistence after the initial kick caused all the problems that opened up the space for Ajayi’s disallowed goal. His long freekick held much promise. He ran into space to connect with Osihmen’s pass before squirming his low drive past the goalkeeper for Nigeria’s 1st goal. He delivered one lovely through pass to Osihmen that was beautiful to see. His tackles and interceptions in support of Zaidu’s defensive duties were noteworthy. He unselfishly delivered one brilliant pass on the plate to Aina in Cameroon’s 18 yard box. He combined well with his colleagues and took his chance well for Nigeria’s second goal. It was a compelling all round performance from Lookman which will go some way in earning him a place in the CAF 11 of the knockout stages. 9/10
12. Jose Peseiro: his decision to continue with the 3-4-3 formation proved to be a masterstroke. His long (or short)-balls-across-short-distances strategy freed up Osihmen a million times to unsettle the defence of Cameroon. Although he no longer plays 4-2-4, the intention of launching long balls is retained, just that this time, it is done with more variety and in a manner that unleashed the beast in Osihmen. His defensive apparatus kept a clean sheet for the umpteenth time whilst his midfield duo did what was expected of them. The interaction between the 3 defenders was seamless, the understanding up front between the front 3 was effective, the way the player movements wove into the fabric of the formation produced a performance that made Cameroon look so ordinary. Top marks. 9.5/10
Substitutions:
1, Omeruo slotted into the back three effortlessly. He drove the ball forward with intent on one occasion and shielded his area well overall. 6.5/10
2, Uzoho finally feels at home in the same formational set up that has thus far protected Nwabili and hidden his shortcomings. He looked assured and commanding It has to be noted that the only goal Nigeria and Nwabili conceded in this tournament was when a formation of 2 centre backs was used (the same formation that exposed Okoye and Uzoho in the past). 6/10
3, Onuachu shielded the ball well up front, tried to draw fouls and helped Nigeria waste time. 5/10
4, Osayi-Samuel would pray to see more meaningful minutes in future games.
@Deo I beg make you no spoil this joyful mood for us all ooo……………Onuachu Longus wey come in begin dey do leg over and fall needlessly na him you dey rate?
Congratulations to my boys and the technical team, Peiseiro really won my heart with his tactical acumen. He tried this formation against Guinea friendly and failed, losing 2:0, discarded it in their 1st match against EG but reverted back to same formation because of his conviction and viola……..it works like magic. Can you imagine a whole Lions of Cameroon, 4-time AFCON winners not getting a single shot at goal? What a master strokes from this genius of a coach.
He studied the strength of his players and came up with a great solution
Osimhen was immense in this match, Lookman came to the party quite well (a deserved Man of the Match performance), Aina was phenomenon, Ekong was Rock Solid ably assisted by Ajayi and Bassey Ugelumba, check out that sumptuous assist). Frank Onyeka was a trojan in the middle of the pack, Iwobi tried but needs to step up his game. Zaidu and Simon was a bit off tonight but contributed well. Kudos to all these players
However please let us all beg Peisseiro to please forgive Senior Man Kels, he deserves to play a big part in this team going forward, we need him much more than the Onuachu Longus and wayward Chukwueze, he will be our joker in subsequent matches.
A special get well soonest prayer to our confident Nwabali, hoping thee injury is not so serious and he should be back on his feet before the next match against Angola, Uzoho is not gonna help these excellent boys in any way.
Thank you too to all of you fellow forumites for your incisive analysis, banters and commendations, we move on steadily until the Cup lands safely in Abuja
Up Super Eagles!!!
An celebral, a game changer in the house…