Nigeria have booked a place in the semi final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations with a comprehensive 2-0 win over Algeria, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Victor Osimhen who was largely criticized for his conduct in the quarter final 4-0 win over Mozambique ran the show with a goal and an assist.
We rate the players on parade for Nigeria in the game.
Stanley Nwabali – Didn’t have anything to do in goal at all. Only faced his first shot on target in the 80th minute. Not enough to earn a rating.
Bright Osayi-Samuel – Had his best performance in a Super Eagles shirt. Won all of his duels and joined the attack with ease…..9/10
Bruno Onyemaechi – Kept Riyad Mahrez in check. Can easily pass as the most improved player in the team and now the undisputed choice at left back. Provided the assist for the opener and had so many good moments…..9/10
Semi Ajayi – Composed and confident all through the game. Appears to have found a good rhythm with Calvin Bassey at the heart of the defence of the Nigerian team….. 8/10
Calvin Bassey – It’s not an exaggeration to say he is so far the best defender in the tournament. Had another performance to prove that assertion right. Above all avoided a caution that would have ruled him out of the semi final…… 9/10
Wilfred Ndidi – A trojan in the middle all through the game. Unfortunately will be suspended for the semi final against Morocco after picking up another yellow card….. 8/10
Frank Onyeka – That tank was his usual industrious self. Combative and full of energy and was also able to escape a booking that would have cost him a spot in the semi final…… 8/10
Alex Iwobi – The orchestrator of anything good that Nigeria did in the game and by extension in the tournament so far. He was heavily involved in both goals scored by Nigeria but in particular his defence splitting pass was perfect for Osimhen to set up Akor for the second goal….. 9/10
Jerome Akor – Could have scored a hattrick with two glaring chances that he failed to convert. He however took the goal that sealed Nigeria’s win with a level of calm expected of a top striker with the manner that he rounded the goalkeeper….. 8/10
Ademola Lookman – A performance filled with desire. Tracked back to help out defensively and was always available for a pass. Unfortunate not to have a goal or assist….. 8/10
Victor Osimhen – The man of the match by a mile. A goal and assist says it all but not the entire definition of his performance, which also involved putting the press high up the pitch….. 10/10
Substitutes:
Moses Simon – His major role was to ensure the team keep the ball and also provide cover for the full back and he excelled in doing both….. 7/10
Raphael Onyedika – Slotted into the midfield with ease making it hard to notice the absence of Ndidi….. 7/10
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
