Nigeria got their second win in the AFCON qualifiers with a comprehensive 3-1 win over Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Nigeria got off to a flying start with Alhassan Yusuf scoring in the first minute, but were stunned when Alphonce Msanga levelled for the visitors in the 32nd minute.
Super Eagles however turned the game around once again to win the tie 3-1, with substitute Tolu Arokodare scoring a brace with goals in the 52nd and 60th minute respectively.
We rate the players on parade for Nigeria.
Stanley Nwabali: Didn’t have much to do and wasn’t at fault for the goal. Virtually on holiday all through the game……7/10
Abdullahi Bewene: Strong, energetic performance in his first competitive game. He has probably locked down the right back spot……8/10
Ola Aina – Guilty of misplaced passes and giving the ball away cheaply. Not one of his best performance but managed to do his job well……6/10
Calvin Bassey: Went to ground easily for the goal conceded by Nigeria. Recovered from the setback to post a performance that has now become the norm when he plays for Nigeria……7/10
Benjamin Fredrick – Didn’t lose a single duel and carried the ball forward with authority. A classic performance to add to his impressive catalogue since his debut for Nigeria……8/10
Tochukwu Nnadi: Lasted 45 minutes and pressed really high up the pitch. Yanked off at half for tactical reasons. He didn’t do badly for the period he was on…….6/10
Alhassan Yusuf – Scored very early to ease the pressure of securing a win. Got subbed off at half time for tactical reasons. He now has three goals in his last two games for Nigeria, thanks to his brace in the Unity Cup 3-0 final win over Jamaica……7/10
Ademola Lookman – Went off injured in the second half. Although he struggled to make an Impact for the period he was on…….5/10
Alex Iwobi – Not one of his best games in the Super Eagles colours. Still remains the main creative hub of the team……7/10
Wilfred Ndidi – Guilty of giving the ball away that led to the leveller by Tanzania. Committed same error in the second half. However he set up Arokodare for the second goal after a powerful run from deep…….6/10
Akor Adams – A game he will love to forget in a hurry. Wasted two good chances to get on the score sheet. His work rate still remains his greatest asset…….5/10
Substitutes:
Moses Simon – He brought pace, urgency and stability to the team upon his introduction. He could have had at least two assists if his efforts were converted…….8/10
Usor Moses – Can easily pass as the game changer despite the brace from Tolu Arokodare. He initialed the move for the second goal with a through ball for Ndidi to set Tolu up. He rounded up a near perfect display with the assist for the third goal. Hard to play against him when he is in full flow…….8/10
Tolu Arokodare – His back heel goal speaks volume of a player high on confidence. Took the second goal really well too. Should have scored a hattrick. He was just too much to handle for the Tanzanians…… 9/10
