Super Eagles player ratings : Uzoho brilliant; Aina grown up; Aribo sparkles; Ekong leader; Simon struggles

The Super Eagles are in a strong position heading into the second leg of their 2022 World Cup playoff after a goalless draw with Ghana at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Friday night.

In a absorbing contest with not too many clear-cut chances, Joe Aribo and Victor Osimhen came close to breaking the deadlock in the first half, while Moses Simon had his shot saved by the Ghanaian goalkeeper in Nigeria's best chance of the second half.

Allngeriasoccer.com rates the players' individual performances during the game :

Goalkeeper

Francis Uzoho: Made some stunning saves in the game. Good competition for Maduka Okoye. 9/10.

Defenders

Ola Aina: Had to be helped out defensively by teammates but he was a good outlet going forward. Overall his game has matured. 7/10.

Zaidu Sanusi: Initially was under immense pressure but grew into the game. Had a great cross which Victor Osimhen was unable to score from. 6/10.

Leon Balogun: Improved as the game wore on. He made a couple of sloppy passes. 7/10.

William Troost-Ekong: The captain was composed. Made vital blocks and clearances that saved the team from possible danger. Leader's performance. 7/10.

Midfielders and strikers

Innocent Bonke: The Lorient defensive midfielder was not a quality replacement for Wilfred Ndidi. Shied away from the ball and gave away free-kicks. Subbed off due to injury. 5.5/10.

Joe Aribo: Battling performance in bits but he was generally not able to constantly match up to the physical threat of the Ghanaians. Should have scored in the 40th minute but couldn't keep his shot down. Surprisingly substituted on the hour mark. 7.5/10.

Kelechi Iheanacho: Upped his game in the second half as he linked up well with teammates but his first half was terrible . 5/10.

Moses Simon: Now a marked man after his Afcon feat. He dazzled a few times but the hosts doubled up on him most times. His decision-making was sometimes quite disappointing. 4.5/10.

Samuel Chukwueze: Substituted in the second half. The Villarreal forward was a threat from the wings but his crosses need to get better. 5/10.

Victor Osimhen : Was full of running from the start to end of the game but was starved of service with the wingers largely ineffective. Managed to have a shot on target in the 37th minute but the attempt was not powerful enough to beat the goalkeeper. 6.5/10

The Substitutes

Emmanuel Dennis: The Watford striker played from the wings. He was also another marked man but having been 'like a new signing' will need some reintegration with his international teammates. Did a good job tracking back to help defensively. 5.5/10.

Ademola Lookman: The new boy on the block found things somewhat hard but he did have his chances especially with the crosses he made. 4/10.

Frank Onyeka: Had an encouraging game in the second half when he came off the substitutes' bench. Hopefully Bonke recovers from his injury setback but it won't be a surprise to see Onyeka start on Tuesday. 6/10.

Calvin Bassey: Promising performance on his debut but slow to return to his left-back position when he ventured forward. 5/10.

Oghenekaro Etebo: Yellow-carded for dissent after the penalty that never was which he orchestrated after a handball - ruled out due to Iheanacho's foul in the buildup. 6/10.

Izuchukwu Michael