The Super Eagles of Nigeria got their campaign in the AFCON qualifiers with a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Goals from debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor helped them from falling behind in the 16th minute to claim an opening win, ahead of Tuesday’s game away to Guinea-Bissau.
We rate the players of the Nigerian team.
Stanley Nwabali – Made a very big save with scores at 1-1, but he was largely untroubled all through the game…….8/10
Ola Aina – He wasn’t at his best particularly in the second half, and didn’t offer much of a threat even when Nigeria had the ball in the opponent’s half for most of the game……6/10
Bruno Onyemaechi – Should have done better when in promising positions to deliver a cross, other than that he was very industrious and stuck to his defensive duties really well…..7/10
Semi Ajayi – Not quite his usual commanding and domineering self. His position was largely responsible for the chance that almost gifted Madagascar a second goal. Had to rely on Calvin Bassey to bail him out on three separate occasions…… 6/10
Calvin Bassey – Nothing went past him and has taken over the role of the leader in the defence. All action style of play made it impossible for any of the opponent to get anything out of him. A virtuoso performance from the Fulham man……8/10
Wilfred Ndidi – Ran out of steam in the second half but didn’t stop running, and when the team went 2-1 up he helped keep the ball really well……7/10
Alex Iwobi – A liability defensively and his failure to track his man led to the corner from which Madagascar scored. Attacking wise though he was the most creative and got the assist for the leveller…….7/10
Akor Adams – Hard to fault his performance when he was starved off the ball for long and later shifted to the wings. Fluffed a very good chance to have a shot on target in the game…….5/10
George Ilenikhena – He ensured that the team didn’t miss star striker Victor Osimhen that much. Very good with his runs behind, which led to his debut goal. He was quite a handful all through the game…….9/10
Ademola Lookman – Guilty of trying to force play and also didn’t take the responsibility of going for goal himself when in promising positions. He will want to forget this game in a hurry…….6/10
Samuel Chukwueze – Lively, deadly but ineffective. His final ball or decision let him down on so many attacking play and twice went for a pass when the option of a shot could have been better…….6/10
Substitutes:
Moses Simon – Brought live and spark into the team upon his introduction with two teasing crosses. Celebrated his 100 caps afterwards with a win…….7/10
Taiwo Awoniyi – Got involved from the start and really brought the team to life. Tracked back and linked up play really well. He was quite impressive…….7/10
Tolu Arokodare – He brought about dimension to the team’s attack with his physical presence and strength in duels. Had an effort come off the bar…..6/10
Moses Usor – Had a debut to remember with his maiden goal for Nigeria from a strong solo run. A very positive minded forward who has his sights on taking his man on anytime he is on the ball……..8/10
Bright Osayi-Samuel – Didn’t get involved enough to warrant a rating.
