AFCON 2023: Player ratings from Super Eagles’ 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau

An own goal from Opa Sangante eased Nigeria into the game as they took the lead against Guinea-Bissau in the 36th minute at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny.

The Super Eagles were unable to create enough chances to score more goals but put in a great defensive performance to keep their second clean sheet in Ivory Coast.

Soccernet.ng rates the performance of the Nigerian players as they sent the Bissau-Guineans home.

1. Christian Nwabali 7/10: Another great performance from the Chippa United goalkeeper. His decision-making, the way he cleared the ball from set pieces and how he commanded his back-line stood out. The 27-year-old made five saves and completed 88% of his passes, showing off his ability to play out from the back as well.

2. Ola Aina 7/10: The Nottingham Forest full-back played in the left wing-back position today, and hardly put a foot wrong. He completed 92% of his passes and created two chances up front.

3. Kenneth Omeruo 6.8/10: Captain on the day, the former Chelsea man stepped in to replace William Troost-Ekong as a leader at the back. He was tidy at the back and completed 92% of his passes. Reliable.

4. Semi Ajayi 5.8/10: The West Bromwich Albion central defender was the weak link in the back three. He was shaky on the ball and lost possession a few times. He struggled with the physicality of the game yet again, and that will be something for Jose Peseiro to keep an eye on.

5. Calvin Bassey 7/10: Bassey put in another great performance on his second start in Ivory Coast. He won all of the tackles he went into and helped Ola Aina in attack on the left-hand side.

6. Bright Osayi-Samuel 6.3/10: The Fernabache full-back struggled at the start of the game, but got into it as time went on. He created a chance for an Osimhen goal which was later ruled out for offside.

7. Frank Onyeka 6.5/10: The Brentford man put in a decent shift in midfield, causing break-ups in the ball progression of the opponents. He went forward a few times today but couldn’t spring any surprises and was replaced in the 63rd minute.

8. Joe Aribo 6/10: The Southampton midfielder was absent for most of the game. He barely got involved until a rare shot on target in the first half. He was tidy in possession though, completing 93% of his passes, and was replaced in the 63rd minute as well.

9. Moses Simon 5.8/10: The Nantes winger was played on the left, and couldn’t impress yet again. He missed a big chance and completed just one of four crosses. Despite his pace and trickery, he only beat his man once. He did help out defensively.

10. Samuel Chukwueze 6/10: The Milan winger couldn’t exploit the opposition. He got on the ball a lot and got into promising positions, but couldn’t do anything. He was replaced by Ademola Lookman with ten minutes left on the clock.

11. Victor Osimhen 6.9/10: The Napoli striker was impressive with his hold-up play, but could have done more with his finishing. He created two chances for his teammates, but couldn’t score from any of his four shots too.

Substitutes

Alex Iwobi 6.5/10: The Fulham midfielder came on just past the hour mark, and brought stability into the midfield for Jose Peseiro’s men. He also played more progressive passes which led to a goal by Zaidu Sanusi, but was ruled due to a handball in the build-up.

Raphael Onyedika 6.5/10: The Club Brugge midfielder replaced Frank Onyeka in the 63rd minute and was tidy in possession. He didn’t misplace a single pass and created a chance for the Super Eagles.

Ademola Lookman, Zaidu Sanusi and Chidozie Awaziem: They all came on with a few minutes left to wrap up the game and couldn’t do much.