Super Eagles player ratings: Bassey solid; Aina versatile, Simon surprise official MotM; Osayi-Samuel struggles 

The Super Eagles rounded up their group-stage games in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau on Monday evening.

 

Allnigerisoccer.com runs the rule over Nigerian players who took part in the game.

 

The starters

 

Goalkeeper

Stanley Nwabali: The Chippa United shot-stopper was largely untested yet again but made a good save in the second half to deny Fali Cande. 7/10

 

Defenders

 

Bright Osayi-Samuel: Handed his first start and wasn't spectacular. He was solid defensively but didn't much in attack besides squaring the ball which led to Osimhen's disallowed goal in the second half. 5.5/10

 

Semi Ajayi: He was the least impressive of the three center-backs, winning 3 of the six ground duels, 1 of his three ground duels, and 1 clearance. Picked up a caution just before halftime. 6/10

 

Kenneth Omeruo: The veteran defender was impressive, providing the necessary cover when needed, and played a role in the only goal of the game. He won 4 of his six ground duels, the only aerial duel he contested, made 6 clearances and 4 tackles. 7/10

 

Calvin Bassey: The Fulham defender was impressive yet again with his front-footed style, he unsurprisingly made the most tackles of the 3 center-backs and wasn't dribbled past. 7.5/10

 

Ola Aina: He started as a left-wing back but ended the game as a right-wing back. Won 2 of his five ground duels and was dribbled past once. He created a good chance for Osimhen in the second half but the Napoli striker fluffed his lines. 7/10

 

Midfielders and strikers

 

Frank Onyeka: The Brentford midfielder was the busier of the two central midfielders. He attempted 13 ground duels, six of which he won, made 2 interceptions, had 43 touches of the ball, and completed 92% of his passes.6.5/10

Joe Aribo: The Southampton player started in place of Alex Iwobi and failed to justify his selection. He made only 1 tackle, attempted just 4 ground duels, and lost possession six times. 5/10

Moses Simon: Besides assisting the goal, the Nantes forward was disappointing yet again. He completed just one dribble,  missed one big chance, made one key pass, and completed 73% of his passes. Strangely he picked up the official Man of the Match award largely due in part to the own goal he forced 6.5/10

Victor Osimhen: The Napoli star was industrious as usual but once again lacked composure in the final third. He missed one big chance, made two key passes, had 32 touches of the ball, and completed 77% of his passes. 6/10 

Samuel Chukwueze: Just like his opposite winger, the AC Milan forward struggled to influence the game. He completed just 1 of the three dribbles he attempted, made one key pass, had 36 touches, and completed 68% of his passes. 5.5/10

 

 

The substitutes

Raphael Onyedika: He came on for the last half hour of the game and did nothing to show that he deserves a starting berth.5/10

Alex Iwobi: The Fulham midfielder failed to impress when he came as he offered nothing offensively and defensively. 4/10

Ademola Lookman: The Atalanta forward came late on in the game and couldn't make his mark. 4/10

Zaidu Sanusi: Besides having a goal ruled out, the Porto left-back did nothing to influence the game.5/10

Chidozie Awaziem: Finally made his first appearance in the competition but came on very late to impress. N/A

 

 

 

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid