The Super Eagles defeated the Leone Stars earlier today with Victor Osimhen grabbing the winner
Nigeria started group A of their 2023 AFCON on a winning note after defeating Sierra Leone 2-1 in Abuja.
Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen scored in the first half to give the Super Eagles a lead heading into the break. Below are Soccernet’s match ratings in the game;
Francis Uzoho
Confident performance despite the central defensive pair guarding him looking nervy. He made two early saves to deny the Sierra Leoneans. Was left out in the cold for the Leone Stars’ goal. He also read dangers early and was alert in goal – 7/10
Ola Aina
Not his best performance in a Nigerian shirt especially defensively. He exposed the team earlier in the game as his recovery was slow but showed good attacking instincts. Started the move that led to Nigeria’s winner but sometimes showed too much confidence on the ball. Not a bad display overall. – 6/10
William Troost-Ekong
With every game, Ekong’s Super Eagles career looks to be coasting home. Exposed many times in the game by overlapping Aina but also showed strength in some moments. His leadership is never in question but his performance leaves a lot to question. – 5/10
Semi Ajayi
Like his central defensive partner, he also caused some nervy moments in the game and could have conceded a penalty at some point. The pitch didn't help matters too as the former Arsenal academy player struggled. He, however dealt with aerial balls decently. – 5.5/10
Calvin Bassey
Less colourful than what he showed in the United States, Bassey was however solid on the ball in Abuja and could have had an assist or two in the game.
He also looked to struggle with the pitch at times.- 6.5/10
Joe Aribo
Struggled to settle early on in the game but his performance steadied as the game wore on. Ran all game and provided good link ups. Looked brighter when Etebo came on as he had more space to move into. – 7/10
Alex Iwobi
Probably the Super Eagles’ most improved player since January. Iwobi’s current level is high and his beautiful goal gave the team the energy to keep driving on.
He was a constant link to the attack and was full of running all game. – 8/10
Samuel Chukwueze
Chukwueze has plenty tricks in his bag but how to make them count is still an elusive feature in his game.
He looked lively, aware and sharpest than any Nigerian game he has featured in the past five matches but his final ball still leaves a lot to desire.
He was subbed off for Lookman, and missed a big chance in the game. – 6/10
Moses Simon
Simon had a much-improved performance against Sierra Leone and was a constant threat down the left for the Nigerians. He provided assists for both goals and Peseiro must be pleased with his performance in the game. – 8/10
Sadiq Umar
Umar was a surprise starter for Nigeria but did well before being subbed off during the break. His partnership with Osimhen showed promises but both players will still need more time to play together to gel. – 6/10
Victor Osimhen
An average of a goal in every two games for Nigeria is impressive and the Napoli attacker’s bustling energy is brilliant. Scored his 11th international goal. He was constantly a bone-in-the throat for the Sierra Leonean defense and deserved the goal he got. Hobbled off later with a fatigue-induced hamstring injury but had done the damage. – 8.5/10
Oghenekaro Etebo
He brought a great level of composure to the defense as he helped them settle. Was seen barking at them often to take better positions and shapes. He got booked almost as soon as he came on after the break but instantly showed why the team was excessively gung-ho in the first half. He's aiming to get back to his Gernot Rohr days level and such games are of essence. – 6.5/10
Ademola Lookman
Came close to scoring almost as soon as he came on for Chukwueze but had his effort blocked by Stephen Caulker.
Not much impact other than that effort but showed enough. – N/A
Kenneth Omeruo
Came on for the injured Ekong and was involved in the last pulsating minutes of the game. Didn't do enough to be rated in the game. – N/A
Shehu Abdullahi
He was substituted on for Ola Aina and held it down at the right back. Not much to have been rated. – N/A
Terem Moffi – N/A
