Super Eagles player ratings: Simon pulls the strings; Lookman decisive; Nwabali good; Troost-Ekong solid, Zaidu jumpy

The Super Eagles defeated Angola 1-0 in the quarterfinal of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday evening.

Allnigeriasoccer.com runs the rule over the Nigerian players involved in the game.

The starters

Goalkeeper

Stanley Nwabali: Made a good save early on in the game but was largely untested for the umpteenth time in the tournament. 7.5/10

Defenders

Semi Ajayi: Had some shaky moments when he should have done better but still fared decently throughout the game. 6.5/10

William Troost-Ekong: The stand-in skipper put up another dominant display, keeping Mabululu quiet all game. His reading of the game was top-notch all game. 8.5/10

Calvin Bassey: He did well yet again ensuring the backline was not exposed whenever Sanusi was out of position but needlessly got a yellow card in the second half. 7.5/10

Midfielders.

Zaidu Sanusi: He dealt well with Gilberto but was a bit jumpy on the ball whenever he bumped forward. 6/10

Ola Aina: Coped well with the dangerous Gelson Dala but his decision-making when in possession left a lot  to be desired. 6.5/10

Frank Onyeka: The Brentford midfielder was excellent yet again, always in the right position to disrupt the rhythm of the opposition. 8/10

Alex Iwobi: The Hale End product was more involved in the game, helping the team to swiftly move the ball from defense to attack. 6.5/10

Forwards

Ademola Lookman: It was another excellent performance from the Atalanta forward, took his goal well and created a big chance for Osimhen in the second half  8.5/10

Victor Osimhen: Was a bone in the throat of the Angolan center-backs but should have scored when put on goal by Lookman.6/10

Moses Simon: Showed great pace to create the goal, kept running at the Angolan right back, and worked his socks off defensively. Undoubtedly, his best match since the start of the tournament. 9/10

The substitutes

Alhassan Yusuf: Made an instant impact when he came on, giving  a beautiful pass to Lookman who created a big chance for Osimhen. 6/10

Joe Aribo: The number 10 entered the game as a substitute in the 87th minute  Not enough minutes to be rated. NA

Paul Onuachu: He came on very late to make an impact N/A

Kenneth Omeruo:The veteran center-back was another late substitute in the game and didn't play enough minutes to be adjudged. NA

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com