A 55th minute penalty from William Troost-Ekong won by Victor Osimhen ensured that the Nigerian picked up their first win of the Africa Cup of nations beating the host country Cote d’Ivoire 1-0.
The win helps them to go above the host with four points, while they dropped to third in the group behind Equatorial Guinea who were 4-2 winners over Guinea-Bissau in the other group game.
OwnGoalNigeria.com rates the players on show for Nigeria in the game.
Stanley Nwabali – He was full of confidence backed up with calmness and a very assured distribution when on the ball. Made two really good save especially in the first half when he used his body frame to deny Jean-Philippe Krasso after a huge mistake by Zaidu Sanusi….. 8/10
William Troost-Ekong – Showed no nerves when he converted what ended as the winner for Nigeria from the spot. Won everything in the air and was solid in duels. He looked really at home in a back three….. 8/10
Semi Ajayi – This has to go down as one of his best games in a Super Eagles shirt. Timed his tackles neatly and also carried the ball out of the defence with ease. Like Ekong he was very comfortable playing in a back three….. 8/10
Calvin Bassey – A fighter, warrior and more. Didn’t lose a single tackle. He came out top when the host tried to find a way back in the second half. Not so many times has he played this well for Nigeria….. 8.5/10
Ola Aina – By far the best player on the pitch for Nigeria. Bombed forward to create an overload in attack, defended nicely and showed some incredible foot work and body balance to wriggle out of tight situations….. 9/10
Zaidu Sanusi – His energy level was something else until he was subbed off . Kept Serge Aurier in check by taking the game to him. Some poor decision making blotted what would have been a perfect display for the FC Porto man….. 8/10
Frank Onyeka- Stuck to the task he was given, which was to provide protection for the back three. He broke up play with ease and also got stuck in when needed. A very disciplined and assured performance from the Brentford man….. 8/10
Alex Iwobi – The way he played without pressure even when Ivory Coast try to press him into making a mistake was majestic. Picked his passes correctly and defensively he was there to ensure the host were denied access to goal….. 8/10
Samuel Chukwueze – Started the game really well before fatigue led to his eventual substitution. Wasted three good chances to create an opening with a poor final pass. Still has some way to go if he is to reach the height expected of him….. 6/10
Ademola Lookman – He came prepared for this AFCON with two of his best games for the team since his debut coming in the first two games of the tournament. Denied an assist by a miss from Osimhen in a game where he was a menace to the Ivorians with the way he played narrow instead of going wide….. 8/10
Victor Osimhen – Surprisingly won the man of the match award. Won the penalty that led to the winner and all through showed himself to be a willing runner. Still has to show better nerves when in front of goal with two misses in today’s game….. 8/10.
Substitutes:
Bright Osayi-Samuel – Wasted a very good chance to play in Simon from a counter attack situation. Defended nicely though….. 6/10
Moses Simon – Slot in to business directly. Got into duels, defended deep and didn’t stop running as Super Eagles look to close the game….. 7/10
Kenneth Omeruo – Mopped everything in front of him to add more frustration to the Ivorian attack….. 6/10
Paul Onuachu – What a cameo. Won three fouls which was more than any Nigerian player despite playing less than ten minutes…… 7/10
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
