Super Eagles ratings: Iheanacho super-sub; Tella not bad but not good; Iwobi showed for the ball; Uzoho error-prone

The Super Eagles failed yet again to record maximum points as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe on matchday two of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Allnigeriasoccer.com runs the rule over the players in action.

 

The starters

Goalkeeper

Francis Uzoho:  Fumbled a tame shot in the 22nd minute and was lucky no Zimbabwe player was nearby to capitalize on the spilled ball. For the third consecutive game, he was beaten by another set-piece  4/10

Defenders

Bruno Onyemeachi: Bumped forward a lot but made no telling difference in the final third. Average performance from the Boavista full-back. 5/10

 

Calvin Bassey: His physicality was used in combating the Warriors whenever they threatened to counter albeit got a yellow card on one occasion for trying to out-muscle the opponent which was adjudged as a foul. 6/10

Semi Ajayi: The West Brom centre-back was easily dribbled at times but overall had a decent game. Made a laudable surging run in the second half but couldn't deliver a precise cross for Simon who was at the far post. 6/10

 

Ola Aina: Gave the ball away easily, was culpable of conceding the free kick that led to Zimbabwe's goal and deservedly brought off at half-time. 4/10

Midfielders and strikers

Frank Onyeka: An unconvincing performance from the number 8 and had to be taken off after the first 45 minutes. 4/10

Alex Iwobi: Arguably Nigeria's best player based on his involvement in the game. Had a lot of touches and was more interested in making a difference than the rest of his colleagues. 7.5/10 

 

Moses Simon: Did well to evade his marker before assisting Iheanacho for the goal but that was the only remarkable action he had in the encounter. 6/10

 

Nathan Tella:  A quiet debut it was for the Arsenal alum whose only impactful action in the game was from a counter-attack where he failed to put in the right cross. Brought off at half-time. 4.5/10

 

Joe Aribo: Struggled in the first half but became more involved when he was withdrawn to the midfield. Showed great vision and precision to spot Simon's run in the build-up leading to the goal. 6.5/10

Terem Moffi: With chances few and far between for him to have a go at goal, it was an uneventful afternoon for the Nice forward. 4/10

 

The substitutes

Kelechi Iheanacho: Great work to find the bottom corner for his goal and brought more purpose to the attack. 7.5/10

Victor Boniface: The Bayer Leverkusen ace made no impact when he came on. 4/10

 

Bright Osayi-Samuel: Fairly better than Aina but his crosses need to be better. 5.5/10

 

Sadiq Umar: Made no impact yet again. 4/10

 

Jamilu Collins: Came on as a late substitute. Not enough time to be rated. NA

 

 

 

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

 

 

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