Victor Osimhen powered home a well placed headers nine minutes from full time to save the Super Eagles of Nigeria from a second defeat in three games against Benin Republic as it helped them scraped a 1-1 draw away in Cote d’Ivoire, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
OwnGoalNigeria.com rates the performance of the players who represented Nigeria in the stalemate that sealed the team’s spot as group winners.
Stanley Nwabali – Should have done better for the header that handed Benin Republic the lead. He had a very good performance afterwards…..6/10
Gabriel Osho – Not quite comfortable as he gave the ball away under no pressure but did rounded up the game very well with no sign of a player making his debut. He was unfortunately subbed off as the team chase a way back into the game……4/10
Calvin Bassey – Maintained his usual combative style which helped him in winning duels and also linking up attack. However he was a part of the backline that was all over the place in the first half. Didn’t do any better in the second half…..4/10
William Troost-Ekong – Should be blamed for the lack of organization in the defence that led to the goal conceded. He however redeemed himself with a very solid showing in the second half…..6/10
Bruno Onyemaechi – Could have gotten a textbook assist if Osimhen had buried the cross he supplied to him on a plate. Very good on the ball and his last ditch tackle saved the team from going two goals behind in the second half. Solid showing in the second half though…..6/10
Ola Aina – Had a very steady performance and didn’t look threatened. Very comfortable on the ball and always tried to take his man on when isolated. Didn’t match the height that he has set this season in England with Nottingham Forest…..5/10
Alex Iwobi – Not one of his best performances for the Super Eagles as he lost his man for the header that handed Benin Republic the lead. Improved in the second half but like Aina this is well below his standard this season for Fulham…..5/10
Wilfred Ndidi – Mopped up everything in front of him and tried to get the team going with forward passes. A sub par performance…..5/10
Kelechi Iheanacho – A weird choice on the right side of attack, a decision he failed to justify with a below par performance before he was subbed off before the start of the second half……3/10
Ademola Lookman – Had a very quite first half and not much went his way in the second half. Devoid of service but also guilty of giving the ball away in promising positions……6/10
Victor Osimhen – Wasted Nigeria’s best chance to draw level in the first half by missing a clear cut header in the box. Redeemed himself with the leveler nine minutes from full time……6.5/10
Substitutes:
Moses Simon – Gave the team an instant balance with his introduction and supplied the assist for Osimhen. A player who shouldn’t be benched for any reason…..6.5/10
