Super Eagles rated and slated : Osayi-Samuel, Iwobi top two performers; Osimhen, Bassey underperform 

It was a mixed result for the Super Eagles in the two-legged tie against Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, losing the first leg in Abuja and winning the return fixture in Guinea-Bissau.

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The performance over the two legs was far from impressive but some players made a case for themselves on why they should get called up in the future and while some came into both games with big expectations but failed to turn up.

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The top three performers, in that order, were : 

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1) Bright Osayi-Samuel: The right-back was the most consistent player over the two legs. He did his job excellently defensively and was full of energy going forward. 

The Fenerbahce defender was responsible for winning the penalty that gave the Super Eagles victory in the second leg. It's difficult to see him lose his place at the moment.

2) Alex Iwobi. The Everton midfielder was the only mainstay in the midfield over the two legs, establishing himself as a key player for Jose Pasiro. He was the connecting link between midfield and attack and was a creative outlet over the two legs.

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3) Semi Ajayi: The West Brom defender came on as a second-half substitute for the injured Kevin Akpoguma in the first leg and unsurprisingly started the second leg. 

Ajayi won most of his duels and caged Mama Balde, who gave Akpoguma and Bassey a tough time in the first leg. 

He made a case for being a starter in future games for the Super Eagles.

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While the majority of the players could be said to have disappointed but the below players were more disappointing having come into the game with a lot of expectations.

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1) Victor Osimhen: The Napoli striker was far from his best over the two legs. He missed some chances, couldn't time his run properly and his decision-making didn't look like a player that is a front-runner for the African Footballer of the Year. Let's hope this is just a blip.

2) Calvin Bassey: The Ajax defender looked like a player struggling for match fitness and devoid of confidence.

It was no surprise that he got dropped for the second leg. He will have to work his socks off to get back into the side.

3) Ademola Lookman: Having not bagged a goal for Atalanta in the past eight games, Lookman looked short of ideas and decisiveness and could only play 45 minutes out of a possible 180 minutes. 

With several attacking options waiting for a call-up, his place in the Super Eagles starting XI is under threat
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Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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