Following the Super Eagles’ 2-1 victory over Madagascar’s Barea in Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Completesports.com’s ADEBOYE AMOSU appraises the performance of the players…
Stanley Nwabali 7/10
Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali produced a superb save in the 51st minute to deny Madagascar captain Rayan Raveloson. It was another composed and assured performance from Nwabali.
Ola Aina 6/10
A disciplined performance from the versatile full-back, although he offered little going forward compared to what was expected of him.
Semi Ajayi 6/10
Ajayi complimented Calvin Bassey well at the heart of the defence, putting in an above-average performance.
Calvin Bassey 7/10
The Fulham defender delivered a Man of the Match-calibre performance. He was a rock at the back for the Super Eagles while also making dangerous forays forward to support the attack
Bruno Onyemeachi 6/10
He had to remain alert to deal with the threat posed by Madagascar’s dangerous forwards, which limited his opportunities to venture forward.
Wilfred Ndidi 6/10
The captain squandered a good scoring opportunity in the first half but linked up well with Alex Iwobi in the middle of the park.
Alex Iwobi 7/10
A lively performance from the Fulham star, who provided a superb assist for George Ilenikhena to equalise for Nigeria late in the first half.
Read Also:2027 AFCONQ: Debutants Ilenikhena, Usor On Target As Super Eagles Edge Out Madagascar 2-1
Samuel Chukwueze 6/10
He threatened the Madagascar defence, particularly in the first half, but was let down by his poor delivery into the opposition box. He was replaced by Moses Usor in the 61st minute.
Ademola Lookman 4/10
A disappointing performance from the Atlético Madrid winger. Lookman struggled to make a significant impact. He was replaced by Tolu Arokodare with 20 minutes remaining.
Akor Adams 4/10
Adams endured a difficult outing, failing to replicate the form he had previously shown for the Super Eagles. He was replaced by Moses Simon one minute after the hour mark
George Ilenikhena 7/10
The striker marked his Super Eagles debut with a brilliant goal, capping an impressive outing for the Al-Ittihad star.
Substitutes
Moses Usor 6/10
The winger scored a superb individual goal on his debut and made a strong impression during the 29 minutes he spent on the pitch.
Moses Simon 4/10
He made a good impression after replacing Akor Adams , and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.
Tolu Arokodare 3/10
He hit the crossbar around the 73rd minute after replacing Ademola Lookman and helped keep the Madagascar defence under pressure.
Taiwo Awoniyi 3/10
The Coventry City striker replaced George Ilenikhena, and proved a handful for the Madagascar defence during the closing stages of the game.
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Not Rated
5 Comments
One thing is clear.
We can’t continue to play only one central midfielder.
Ndidi was the only real central midfielder we had on the pitch. Iwobi and Chuks for me are wingers/forwards, and they played as such. Ndidi would also venture forward leaving the midfield dangerously porous. A better team would have beaten us today. Madagascar seized control of the midfield on several occasions, and we were fortunate they failed to take their chances.
We must have at least 2 proper central midfielders in front of our back four at all times. Chelle can adjust the 4 forwards per his tactics. For this purpose, Iwobi and Chuks are wingers/forwards. They are not,and must not, be deployed as central midfielders!!!
The good thing in my opinion is that we created chances. The finishing is the big problem. With better finishing, it could have been a wider margin of victory.
Not the performance we expected, but with 3 points in the bag, it’s a good start.
@pompei my guy, you are I spot this weakness in Chelle selection, the earlier Chelle realize this the better. For now the main fundamental problem with eagles is mildfield.
I believe having a proper midlfielder will solve many problem.
Some players we deemed useless might not be useless after all if we had proper mildfield.
Chelle continue to parraid supporting strikers as mildfilder and you will continue to flop against tactical team and coach.
Prune your striking and defensive choices and invest that space on mildfield oriented players.
Hmmmm is Chelle also becoming wiked ni?
@pompei, my personal person. I like ur observations. I hv said it on several occasions that we must rejig our A team midfield if we must win the next AFCON and qualify for the next worldcup. I dont know if its because of team setup that exposes our midfield so badly whenever we dont have the ball . But one side of me is telling me Ndidi has past his prime and Iwobi is not fast and touch in tackling and thats the reason we struggle whenever we lose possession . I can remember how energetic the midfield was when we defeated Zimbabwe in the Unity cup. We did not concede because the midfield was kept compact by our energetic boys. Seems the Coach doesn’t learn from his friendlies. We need that midfield combo in our A team . Anything that wana happen let it happen. Fans are tired of this present midfield that failed to qualify us for the LAST 2 worldcups and also lost to Ivorycoast and Morroco last 2 AFCONS
My brother, we need energetic, dominant midfielders. Michael Essien type midfielders. The type of energy Calvin Bassey displays in defense. If we have that in the midfielders, we will be very difficult to beat!
Our player did well. We will go far