Super Eagles Player Ratings Vs RSA : Chukwueze Hits The Headlines; Ekong Solid; Omeruo, Ndidi Commanding; Iwobi Creative; Musa Lively

Published: July 10, 2019

Nigeria are in the semifinals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations following their 2-1 win over South Africa at the Cairo International stadium on Wednesday.

Izuchukwu Okosi rates the performances of the Nigerian stars who will face either Algeria or Ivory Coast in the semifinals.

The Starters

Goalkeeper

Daniel Akpeyi : He was rarely tested but he made one sloppy clearance with an opponent lurking around. 5/10.

Defenders

Chidozie Awaziem : The right back is seemingly proving his doubters wrong with a great tournament. He was superb on Wednesday and never let the burly South African forwards intimidate him. 6.5/10.

Jamilu Collins : A debut game at the AFCON for the Paderborn left back. He bombed forward but did his primary duties efficiently. 6.5/10.

William Troost Ekong : The Udinese central defender scored Nigeria's winning goal but overall display was fantastic albeit in the 23rd minute he almost gave away possession but the ball was recovered by Wilfred Ndidi. 8/10.

Kenneth Omeruo : The Chelsea star made vital clearances as it is becoming his trademark in Egypt. Solid display but has to improve his awareness with opposition strikers on the prowl. 7/10.

Midfielders

Wilfred Ndidi : The Leicester man was magnificent as he protected the back line. He also moved forward a couple of times. 7.5/10.

Oghenekaro Etebo : Etebo hit a fantastic freekick that goalkeeper Rowen Williams tipped onto the crossbar. Battled hard and was the water carrier of the team. 7/10.

Alex Iwobi : The Arsenal man was involved in the build up to Samuel Chukwueze's goal and had one of his best games of the tournament thus far. 7/10.

Strikers

Ahmed Musa : The captain of the day troubled South Africa with his pace but was substituted off in the second half. Most of his crosses were not converted by his teammates which must be worked upon. 7/10.

Samuel Chukwueze : The Man of the Match with a debut AFCON goal to boot. The Villarreal man was a nightmare for the South Africans as he also created tons of chances. 8.5/10.

Odion Ighalo : Not on the scoresheet but all the same his experience and sheer strength were there to help the Eagles. 6.5/10.

The Substitutes

Moses Simon : His corner kick provided the assist for Ekong's goal. Great impact. 6/10.

Leon Balogun :Came on in the 90th minute. NA.

Izuchukwu Okosi