Bassey shines again, Dessers wasteful – How Super Eagles players ranked vs Ecuador

The Super Eagles lost their second game in the United States tour but must be encouraged by the display against Ecuador

Despite defeat against the South Americans, the Super Eagles posted a better display and created many opportunities which the attackers could not convert.

Uzoho was impressive in goal in what an all-round excellent performance for the Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper while the defensive pairing of William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi stayed resolute.

See Soccernet’s player ratings against Ecuador;

 

Francis Uzoho: Uzoho continued his recovery from the Ghana disappointment as he delivered another solid performance. Totally left lonely in the Ecuadorian goal, he made vital saves in the game to keep the scoreline respectable and was great in organising his defense.

His distribution has also greatly improved as he helped the team retain possession. At this rate, it will take a special performance to displace Uzoho as the Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper. – 7/10

Chidozie Awaziem: From the blast of the whistle, the Alanyaspor defender looked out of place. His positioning was suspect, his marking was off and he appeared absent-minded.

While he tried to settle into the game as it wore on, little improved in his output. He was rightly subbed off at half time for Ola Aina. – 3/10

William Troost-Ekong: The Watford defender put the own goal against Mexico behind to post a near-perfect performance. His rangy passing was accurate, he was alert to danger and sharp in tackles. His partnership with Semi Ajayi looked solid today. – 7/10

Semi Ajayi: The former Rotherham player was also alert to his duties and was an aerial goalscoring threat at the other end of the pitch. It may come difficult displacing Ajayi at the moment, on the back of his solid displays in both friendly games. – 7/10

Calvin Bassey: This young man must be loved through the lens of his performances. It leaves fans with no choice. Defensively, he was a bulwark, hardly beatable. Offensively, he was a delight and alongside Iwobi, looked to be the best creator on the night. Fantastic performance from Bassey, such delight to watch. 8.5/10

 

Alex  Iwobi: If Everton’s Premier League safety is what has Iwobi radiant, then he must keep to the fight. Fantastic on the night as he constantly proved a key cog between the midfield and attack. Passed through the Ecuador defense like hot knife through butter. In the deep playmaking role, he dictated proceedings and proved he can be a delight to watch. Solid showing. He’d have had a couple of assists if the team was clinical at all. 8/10

 

Joe Aribo: Proved a worthy partner for Iwobi but it was a conservative performance. After s long season where he played 60 plus games, his body must be talking.

He chose to pass backwards on some occasions when a forward pass may have found a player in good position. Awareness on the night wasn’t as exceptional. Good performance regardless. – 6.5/10

 

Faisal Sani: He barely lasted the opening 45 minutes. Not as instantly sparkling as his first game. Hauled off during half time. Didn’t make any significant impact. – 3/10

 

Moses Simon: Ran a clinic of the Ecuadorian defense. He pressed always and his pace and directness on the night proved too much too handle. Decision making again proved a big letdown in some moments but by far the best performance in a Super Eagles shirt since Nigeria defeated Guinea Bissau at the AFCON. – 7.5/10

 

Terem Moffi: Had a penalty shout in the first half and worked hard off the ball. Came close to scoring twice but was denied by the keeper and Dessers’ trailing leg. Not a bad performance but this may not be enough to make the Super Eagles first team when the room is full. – 6/10

 

Cyriel Dessers: Missed two glorious chances and could have taken better decisions in both situations. Didn’t stop running throughout and showed good linkup. Wore a forlorn look all night, as he struggled to get the goals. – 5/10

 

Emmanuel Dennis: Came on and brought some life to the right with Aina. Much better than Sani and was direct. Missed an opportunity in the 57th minute from a beautiful Bassey cross. He will have more days to prove his worth. – 6/10

 

Ola Aina: Looked to have played through the pain but was more alert and assertive than Awaziem. Not his finest day based on his standards but not a bad game in comparison with whom he replaced. – 6/10

 

Victor Mbaoma – N/A. Didn’t last long enough to be assessed.