Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
The Super Eagles rounded up their group stage phase with a narrow victory over Guinea Bissau at the Stade Fèlix Houphouët-Boigny on Monday, January 22.
Opa Sangante put the ball into his own goal in the 36th minute to secure victory for the three times AFCON champions.
In a tournament where the Super Eagles have looked far from convincing, here’s the player ratings from the fixture.
Stanley Nwabili -9
The shot-stopper is beginning to make the spot in between the sticks his. Making 5 important saves, two in the dying minutes of the game to keep Nigeria afloat. He picked up his second clean sheet of the tournament in a man-of-the-match worthy display.
Calvin Bassey -8
Dropped for the first game, but his return as seen outstanding defensive prowess in successive games. The Cottagers central defender was ever present in the backline and completing the most tackles in the game. An unlucky yellow card when he attempted to clean the ball before taking a long throw.
Kenneth Omeruo -8
Captain of the day and one of the contingent left from the 2013 AFCON triumph. Led the team from the middle of the back 3 and a very vocal presence. Stepped up with the clock running down thumping the ball away at every occasion. Seeing a game high of six clearances.
Semi Ajayi -6
For most of the part, it looked like the game passed him by. Making questionable decisions in and out of possession. A quiet display from the defender.
Ola Aina -7
Another assured display from the full back as expected. He has been one of the team’s bright spots thus far. Taking Zaidu’s place on the left, he looked comfortable with his weak foot on that side. Taken off after he had apparently ran his longs out in the 90th minute.
Joe Aribo -6
Coming in for Alex Iwobi as the creative link in midfield, there was really nothing to show for. In a game play was to be orchestrated through him, he was a bypasser in the middle of the park.
Frank Onyeka -7
The Bees midfielder is tasked with the dirty work in midfield. He executed properly this time out. Running every blade of grass and recycling possession for the team.
Bright Osayi-Samuel -7
Came into the game at Zaidu Sanusi’s expense. He marauded that right wing with confidence. Creating two chances across the game and boasting a hundred percent dribble and tackle success rate. Making 6 recoveries, the shirt is definitely his to lose in the knockouts.
Moses Simon -7
Looked like the 2021 AFCON Simon. Came into the game strong and was on the best of his trickery and attacking onus. His shooting boots however still leave something to be desired.
Samuel Chukwueze -6
He’s looked sub-par for his cameos in this tournament and really needs to step up. He looked bright for bits and very gloomy for the rest.
Victor Osimhen -6
Perhaps luck, perhaps ability, questions would be asked as to why he didn’t find a goal in the encounter. The African best player really needs to find his good form come the knockouts. The misses, narrow offsides will all come costly.
Substitutes For The Super Eagles
(N/A – ratings for players coming on after the 80th minute mark)
Alex Iwobi -5
Should have at least hit the target when Moses Simon set him up on a platter a minute after introduction. That sums up all of his outing in the encounter.
Raphael Onyedika -6
The lanky Club Brugge midfielder looked comfortable in the middle of the park. He would sit nicely with Onyeka in a double pivot.
Zaidu Sanusi – N/A
Ademola Lookman N/A
Chidozie Awaziem N/A
