The senior national team of Nigeria got a highly deserved 2-1 win over arch rivals Ghana in an international friendly game played in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Under caretaker coach Finidi George, it was the Super Eagles who drew first blood with Cyriel Dessers converting from the spot after a hand ball incident in the box of Ghana.
His goal in the 38th minutes had Nigeria going into the break leading the tie. Dessers could have bagged a brace or possibly a hat trick if he was decisive in front of goal.
Substitute Ademola Lookman increased the tally for the Super Eagles with six minutes left to play before Jordan Ayew converted from the spot in the 5th minute of time added on for the Ghanaian team, who finished the game with team men following a red card to Jerome Opoku.
We rate the players on parade for the Super Eagles in the game.
Stanley Nwabali – Didn’t have much to do but commanded his area with authority. Quick off his line and very calm with the ball at his feet…..7/10
Chidozie Awaziem – He wasn’t adventurous with the ball always moving it backwards or sideways. Had to rely on Tanimu to bail him out twice when he was caught out for pace…..6/10
Semi Ajayi – Played as the left sided centre back and looked very much at home there. Moved the ball nicely leading to a very high passing accuracy…..7/10
Benjamin Tanimu – The newbie didn’t look out of place. Created Nigeria’s best chance of the first half with a well measured over the top pass. Showed good turn of pace even though his ball distribution was a little bit hasty, been he should be proud of…..7.5/10
Bright Osayi-Samuel – He didn’t go forward like he usually does, hence didn’t get involved in attacking actions. Kept to his job without making any costly error of judgment…..7/10
Bruno Onyemaechi – Playing as a left wing back. His ability to carry the ball helped in transition, his deliveries from promising position wasn’t top notch although he could have gotten an assit but Cyriel Dessers somehow fail to convert from six yards out…..6.5/10
Wilfred Ndidi – The return of the one who never left. Commanded the game brilliantly with neat and tidy passes. Combined nicely with Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka…..7.5/10
Alex Iwobi – Played with a freedom he never got at the AFCON. Picked out his passes with authority. Saw a lot of the ball and made very good use of it…..7.5/10
Frank Onyeka – Mopped everything that could possibly be a threat. Didn’t miss a single duel for the period he was on……7/10
Kelechi Iheanacho – A very lively performance operating from the right. Had three efforts on targets. Graciously allowed Dessers to take the spot kick when it waa awarded…..7/10
Cyriel Dessers – Dispatched his spot kick with aplomb, somehow his only telling contribution of the game as he was guilty of missing three clear chances to increase the lead before he was subbed off….. 6.5/10
Substitutes:
Moses Simon – Wasted no time in getting involved upon his introduction. Brought stability to the team’s play and was involved in the passing sequence that led to the second goal of the game….. 7/10
Raphael Onyekida – Strong in tackles and solid in possession. He helped the Super Eagles regain control of the game in the second half….. 6.5/10
Ademola Lookman – Took his goal really well to put the game to bed….. 6/10
