The senior national team of Nigeria booked a spot in the final of the world cup qualifiers playoff with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Gabon, which was achieved in extra time with top striker Victor Osimhen scoring a brace.
Jerome Akor and Chidera Ejuke got the other goals for Nigeria, who were pegged back when Mario Lemina levelled scores for the Gabonese.
OwnGoalNigeria.com rate the players on parade for Nigeria in the game that sealed a game against Dr. Congo in the final following their 1-0 win over Cameroon. The winner will represent Africa at the Intercontinental playoff in Mexico next year, where two tickets to the next world cup will be available.
Stanley Nwabali – Guilty of making some decisions with the ball at his feet that almost proved costly. He was however not tested enough and wasn’t at fault for the goal conceded after a wicked deflection left him with no chance. Commanded his area really well…..7.5/10
Bright Osayi-Samuel – Fortunate not to have given away a penalty with scores at 0-0 after a shirt pull in the box. Unlucky to see the ball deflected off his knees for Gabon’s equaliser. He wasn’t at his best…..6.5/10
Zaidu Sanusi – Won all his duels and looked pretty assured in defending and also going forward when he needed to. A big part of why the team defender really well…..8/10
Benjamin Fredrick – Easily the best player on the pitch for Nigeria after capping an impressive performance with an assist for Osimhen for the third goal. Kept one of the most decorated player in African football in Pierre Emerick Aubameyang quiet for the entire duration of the game…..9/10
Calvin Bassey – Another faultless performance in the heart of Super Eagles defence. He has formed a really good partnership with Fredrick in the heart of the defence…… 8.5/10
Wilfred Ndidi – -Had one of his best games in recent times with a commanding performance with an assist as the icing. He will be a huge miss in the final against Dr. Congo after picking up a booking…..8/10
Alex Iwobi – Bossed the first half with line breaking passes but dropped off in the second half and was guilty of giving the ball away. Still the team’s most creative player…..7.5/10
Samuel Chukwueze – Didn’t play to the level he did against Benin Republic where he grabbed two assists. Likely to be dropped for the final against Dr. Congo……. 7/10
Ademola Lookman – A very subdued performance from the reigning Africa player of the year. Still looked very rusty and rushed his decision in key moments…..6/10
Jerome Akor – Showed very good awareness to score the opener for Nigeria after latching onto a loose pass. Put in a very good shift and looked certain to nail a spot in the final as the perfect foil to Osimhen in attack…..8/10
Victor Osimhen – He stole the show with a brace in the second half of extra time, but was largely why the game went into extra time after his miss with the goalkeeper at his mercy with last kick in regulation time……9/10
Substitutes;
Moses Simon – Brought stability to the team’s shape and was unlucky not to get a goal in extra time……7/10
Frank Onyeka – The tank like he is called was ever present in the midfield, winning balls and driving the team forward…… 7.5/10
Childera Ejuke – Showed his presence with a well taken goal to give Nigeria the lead in extra time. He was really lively and took the game to Gabon with ease, composure and confidence….. 8/10
