Super Eagles player ratings: Nwabali, Bassey show their true colours; Onyedika the real deal; Chukwueze good 

The Super Eagles lost 2-1 to Benin in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers played on Monday evening.

Allnigeriasoccer.com runs the rule over the Nigerian players in action in the encounter played at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan.

The starters

Goalkeeper

Stanley Nwabali:  Was unable to prevent two goals in in the first half and could have conceded another due to poor judgment but made a good decision to quickly come off his lines in the second half. It must also be said that his  goal kicks were poor. 3.5/10

Defenders

Bright Osayi-Samuel:  It was an improved performance from the former Queens Park Rangers' player who did well at left-back before reverting to his primary right-back role in the second half and could have gotten on the scoresheet. 5.5/10

Calvin Bassey: He made a terrible mistake for the first goal, was shifted to the left back position in the second half. 3/10

Semi Ajayi: The former Arsenal defender was the better of the two central defenders as he was decent but not exceptional the whole game. 5/10

Benjamin Tanimu: He started at right back and just like against South Africa looked out of sorts but eventually became comfortable when moved to right center back in the second half. 4/10

Midfielders

Raphael Onyedika: He was exceptional all game as his reading of the game and positioning were brilliant and he took his goal well though could have done better for Benin's second goal. Undoubtedly, one of the positives from a very disappointing game. 7.5/10

Wilfred Ndidi: The skipper had another poor game having been culpable in the two goals conceded though played a bit better in the second half. 4/10

Alex Iwobi: The Hale End Academy product failed to replicate the creative spark that saw him starred against South Africa and was rightly taken off before the hour mark. 4/10

Forwards

Ademola Lookman: He looked sharp at times but the final product was missing yet again and his performance really affected the attack. 4.5/10

Terem Moffi: The OGC forward was anonymous throughout his stay on the pitch. He offered no threat in the attacking third, played no role in supporting his teammates offensively or defensively. 3/10

Samuel Chukwueze: This was the AC Milan's forward best performance for the Super Eagles in a while. He bagged an assist and came close to getting another before his substitution. 7/10

The substitutes

Paul Onuachu: The lanky striker failed to impose himself on the game particularly with his physicality when he came on. He should have done way better. 5/10

Victor Boniface: He was easily subdued and failed to give the attacking bite desired when he was brought on. 4/10

Sodiq Ismail: He was too hasty and untidy with his decisions particularly with his crosses and thus, failed to make an impression in his debut. 4/10

Olawoyin Ibrahim: Apart from being involved in creating a goalscoring opportunity towards the tail end of the game, it was a disappointing debut for the former Rangers International midfielder. 4/10

Alhassan Yusuf: He came on as the latest substitute and didn't affect the game. 4/10

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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