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In one of Africa’s biggest rivalries in and away from the football world, the Super Eagles took on the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
The game featuring over 120 minutes of action and consequently ending in a penalty was not void of drama and excitement.
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Here’s the News Round the Clock match ratings of the Nigerian contingent at the ongoing AFCON tournament.
Stanley Nwabali – 9
The goalkeeper conjured four important saves in normal time to keep his nation in the game and eventually taking the headlines with two penalty saves in the shootout.
Despite picking up a blow late in the second half, he stayed composed to rally his side to a much important victory.
Calvin Bassey -7
The Cottagers central defender has been more than reliable since his introduction on the tournament’s second matchday.
He occasionally burst forward on the left flank to provide depth and swing in crosses while not neglecting his defensive duties. One nervy moment however saw him giveaway a corner via clearance with no pressure whatsoever.
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William Troost-Ekong – 9
A true captain’s display. His penalty gave Nigeria the lead in the 67th minute whilst also finding the back of the net in the shootouts.
With tired legs, he still marshaled the defensive unit and taking one for the team with his technical foul when Mihlali Mayambela went on the break.
Semi Ajayi -8
Another assured defensive outing. Ajayi won 100% of his aerial duels against the Bafana Bafana offence, also completing all but one of his attempted tackles (⅚).
Showcasing a new part of his game today, he darted in-field from time to time as Brigy Osayi-Samuel hugged the touchline.
Ola Aina – 7
Playing on the left side of defence today, he came out top against a very inspired Percy Tau. Aina completed a joint high 7 recoveries for his side while swinging in crosses with either foot.
His long throws interestingly served as another set piece outlet for the Super Eagles as they sought to add to their lead.
Alex Iwobi – 5
Iwobi was a by-passer in midfield for pretty much his stay on the pitch. When the Bafana Bafana continually overloaded the middle of the park, he looked relatively non-existent. Eventually got hooked off for Alhassan Yusuf.
Frank Onyeka – 8
The Brentford midfielder has been the workhouse of the Nigerian team thus far. Taking on the dirty duty in the middle of the park in the absence of Ndidi.
Hooked off in the 102nd minute having apparently run out his lungs as he tracked back to prevent Teboho Mokoena from leading an attacking move.
Bright Osayi-Samuel -7
The Fenerbahce defender earned just his second start of the campaign since the final group stage game against Guinea-Bissau.
Truly exciting to watch, he completed the most dribbles in the game while patrolling the right flank. Also completing a game high of 7 recoveries alongside Ola Aina.
Ademola Lookman -6
The man that got Nigeria into the semis with his 3 goals over the last two grounds left little to be desired out there.
He squandered a golden chance to seal Nigeria the game and also chose to goal for when he could have squared for teammates.
Looked lively in the first half but the second was riddled with poor decision making.
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Moses Simon -5
The Nantes forward could not build on his fine form in the quarter-final tie against Angola and increasingly looked like a shadow of himself all game.
Victor Osimhen – 8
Leading Nigeria’s press, the African player of the year won the penalty which gave Nigeria the lead.
In a twist of fate, scoring in the encounter unfortunately spelled Nigeria would go down via a penalty in the run-up to his goal.
VAR’s intervention saw another goal ruled out for the Napoli forward. He also tested Ronwen Williams from range with the goalkeeper scrambling to get his hands on it.
Substitutes.
Alhassan Yusuf -4
Coming on for Alex Iwobi to inject life into the midfield, he was the complete opposite. The Club Brugge midfielder lunged into challenges recklessly and gave out unnecessary fouls.
One of which was the penalty converted by Teboho Mokoena.
Samuel Chukwueze -6
The highlight of his game was the return pass squandered by Ademola Lookman and the deft outside foot touch to Osimhen.
With the right hand side of Nigeria’s attack, he should be looking to take that spot for himself.
Joe Aribo – N/A
Kelechi Iheanacho – N/A
Terem Moffi – N/A
(N/A – not applicable for players coming on after the 80th minute mark)
