Super Eagles player ratings: Lookman standout; Osimhen home again; Troost-Ekong, Ajayi reliable; Ndidi solid 

The Super Eagles got their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers off to a flying start, courtesy of a 3-0 win over Benin.

 Allnigeriasoccer.com runs the rule over the Nigerian players in action.

The starters

Goalkeeper 

Stanley Nwabali: The Chippa United shot-stopper was impeccable once again, denying Benin the few times he was called upon. 8/10

Defenders 

Calvin Bassey: He was aggressive as always, giving no room for Steve Mounié.He got himself a yellow card which influenced his early substitution.6.5/10

Semi Ajayi: The former Arsenal defender was decent and hardly put a foot wrong. 7/10

William Troost-Ekong: The skipper led by example and also ensured Mounié had a gentle game.8/10

Midfielders

Ola Aina: The Nottingham Forest fullback was rock solid but couldn't influence the game in the attacking third. 6/10

Bruno Onyemaechi: The left-back was solid and offered more offensively than Aina did in the other flank. 6.5/10

Wilfred Ndidi: The Leicester City forward was solid in the base of the midfield, helping Nigeria to control the proceedings. He had to be brought off due to a suspected injury. 7/10

Alex Iwobi: He played a deeper role and couldn't do much to influence the game in the attacking third. He could have gotten an assist before he came off. 6/10

Forwards

Samuel Chukwueze: He was not as effective as Ademola Lookman though he assisted defensively. 6/10

Victor Boniface: It wasn't the best performance from the German Bundesliga winner, though he was denied service. 5/10

Ademola Lookman: The Atalanta forward showed why he is a Ballon d'Or nominee with two excellent goals. 9/10

The substitutes

Olisa Ndah: The Orlando Pirates skipper looked shaky when he came though he finished the game better than he started.  5.5/10

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru: He offered more dynamism and energy into the midfield and was involved in the build-up for the second goal 6/10

Moses Simon: Made a case to be named in the starting lineup against Rwanda with his impressive performance off the bench against the Cheetahs. Provided the assist for Nigeria's third goal. 7/10.

Victor Osimhen: In his first game post-Afcon, he brought on energy with and more sharpness to the attack. He took his goal well though he could have done better for the second chance that came his way. 7.5/10

Raphael Onyedika: He came on late and didn't have enough time to make an impression 5/10

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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