AFCON 2023: S/Eagles Player Ratings; Simon, Troost-Ekong, Iwobi Solid As Sanusi Struggles

3 months ago

Nigeria’s Super Eagles battled to a 1-0 win against Angola to reach the semi-finals of this year’s AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.

Ademola Lookman was the hero as his first half strike was enough to seal the win for Jose Peseiro’s men.

Following the win, here is Completesports.com’s Super Eagles’ player ratings.

Stanley Nwabali

Marked his return from injury with an early minute save from close range which prevented the Eagles from going behind.

Pulled up a brilliant save towards the end of the game, punching away a goal-bound shot to preserve the Super Eagles lead 6

Ola Aina

As usual was defensively solid as he took care of things on his own side of the backline.

Also bombed forward occasionally to help in the attack – 6

Semi Ajayi

Made a world class interception to stop an Angolan player from racing towards the Eagles goal area.

Just like in other games another impressive performance to extend the Eagles’ clean sheet to four straight games – 7

William Troost-Ekong

Made a timely block in the early part of the game to cut out a dangerous cross into the box.

Commanded the backline superbly as the Angolan forwards had little or nothing to feed on – 7

Calvin Bassey

Another top class performance from Bassey who was solid as a rock, tough in his tackles.

Didn’t venture forward much compared to the game against Cameroon as the Eagles had to hang on to see out the win – 7

Zaidu Sanusi

Was involve in the buildup to the goal as it was his pass that found Moses Simon, who set up Ademola Lookman for the goal.

However, was guilty of some poor display and one of such was towards the end of the first half where he delayed in putting in a cross with the likes of Victor Osimhen and Lookman well positioned to convert – 5

Alex Iwobi

Played his best game at this year’s tournament as he was spraying passes and also carrying out his own defensive duties.

Started the buildup to the Eagles’ goal as his clever long pass to Sanusi launched the counter which was finished off by Lookman – 7

Frank Onyeka

Another workaholic performance from the midfielder as he sniffed out every dangerous situations.

Was unlucky to go off after hurting his shoulder after landing badly on it – 7

Moses Simon

Provided the assist for the only goal after nearly beating his marker before squaring it for the on rushing Lookman.

Beat two Angolans close to the touch line but was unlucky to see his goal bound shot blocked.

His impressive performance saw him pick up the Man of the Match award -9

Ademola Lookman

Got the only goal of the game as he ran into an opening inside the box and volleyed in Simon’s square pass.

Has now scored in back-to-back games which took his tally to three, making him his side’s top scorer – 8

Victor Osimhen

Helped to drag two Angolan players which created space for Lookman to score.

Thought he had gotten his second goal of the tournament only to see his effort disallowed for offside.

Was presented with another chance but saw his effort blocked after doing well enough to beat his marker -8

Substitutes

Alhassan Yusuf

Returned to the team after missing their last three games due to injury and put in a decent performance – 6

Joe Aribo

Yet to really justify his inclusion in the team as he hardly offers anything whenever he is introduced – 5

Kenneth Omeruo

Always comes in to help the backline and also see out games which he has done excellently – 6

Paul Onuachu

Came in deep into stoppage time and used his big frame to good effect by drawing fouls and winding down the time -6


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