Super Eagles player ratings: Bassey catches the eye; Nwabali almost a hero; Iwobi, Lookman, Arokodare struggle

Nigeria fell 4-3 to DR Congo in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, confirming the Super Eagles' failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Allnigeriasoccer.com runs the rule over the Super Eagles players in action. 

The starters

Goalkeeper

Stanley Nwabali (6/10): The Super Eagles goalkeeper looked unsure of himself at times and nearly gifted Congo a late chance with another error. But he was almost the hero in the penalty shootout, making two saves. 

Defenders

Zaidu Sanusi (5/10): Sanusi offered little quality in the final third, with his crosses repeatedly failing to hit the mark.

Semi Ajayi (6/10): A steady and reliable display from the Hull City defender. His tidy interventions ensured stability at the back without drawing unnecessary attention. He missed a spot kick in the shootout. 

Calvin Bassey (8): He delivered a composed and commanding performance at centre-back, reading the game brilliantly.

Benjamin Frederick 6/10: He kept Nigeria in the game, making several interventions on the right side with maturity. 

Midfielders and forwards

Wilfred Ndidi (4/10): Ndidi struggled to dictate play in midfield and couldn't impose his usual authority on the game.

Frank Onyeka (6.5/10): The Brentford midfielder opened the scoring inside three minutes but gradually faded as the match wore on, with the Leopards eventually asserting control in midfield.

Alex Iwobi (4/10): The Fulham midfielder failed to influence the game and was eventually replaced by Tolu Arokodare in the second half.

Samuel Chukwueze (5/10): The AC Milan loanee started brightly, showing plenty of energy in the early stages, but his influence waned before he was substituted in the second half.

Victor Osimhen (5.5/10): The Galatasaray striker picked up an injury at halftime and was eventually taken off in the second half.

Ademola Lookman (4/10): The Atalanta forward delivered another subdued display and was replaced in the second half after failing to make an impact.

The substitutes  

Akor Adams (6/10): Adams came on for Osimhen in the second half and calmly converted Nigeria's first spot-kick during the shootout.

Chidera Ejuke (5.5/10): The Sevilla forward found it difficult to influence proceedings and couldn't stamp his authority on the match.

Moses Simon (3/10): The Paris FC winger struggled to make any meaningful impact, consistently finding it hard to get past Wan-Bissaka on the flank.

Tolu Arokodare (3/10): Arokodare offered little after coming on in the second half, failing to impress during his short spell on the pitch.

Bruno Onyemaechi (6.5/10): The left-back netted in the shootout and handled his defensive duties well.

Chidozie Awaziem (N/A): Introduced in the dying minutes of extra time, Awaziem was brought on to help shore up the defence and had too little time for a rating.

Adeyemi Adewale

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