Nigeria player ratings vs Spain: Oshoala classy, Ajibade wasteful, Ucheibe a monster

Nigeria stumbled to a second consecutive defeat at the Paris 2024 Olympics following a tough 1-0 loss to world champions Spain.

Here is how the Super Falcons performed on the day.

Goalkeeper

Nnadozie (5/10): Kept her cool under pressure, saved Spanish shots from distance, and punched out crosses to relieve pressure off her defence. The Paris FC goalie showed severely why she is the best goalkeeper in Africa and among the best in the world. She could, however, have done better to stop Spain’s goal if well positioned.

Defenders

Alozie (4.5/10): Delivered a better performance than against Brazil. She defended astutely and still managed to get forward on occasion. Her interceptions and tackles ensured Spain’s left flank did not enjoy a field day.

Ohale (6.5/10): A rock at the centre of the defence, as always. Solid in the air and covered well for the lapses of Alozie. Made a crucial goalline clearance that the team celebrated as though she had scored the winner.

Demehin (6/10): The best young Nigerian defender at the moment by a country mile. Tosin got her positioning and markings right against a Spanish attack that is one of the most fluid on the planet.

Okeke (4.5/10): She is no Ashleigh Plumptre, no doubt. She defended better than she did on Thursday and should be grateful that Spain looked to walk the ball into the box rather than fly to the wings and send in crosses.

Midfielders

Abiodun (6/10): Ever dynamic, fearless, and tireless. Deborah never shied away from the massive Spanish challenge. Made sure Nigeria had some form of presence in a midfield bossed by the world champions.

Ucheibe (6.5/10): One who’s energetic display caught the eye. She harried the opposition and closed down spaces the opponent could have exploited without fail. Easily Nigeria’s best player of the match.

T Payne (5.5/10): Worked her socks off against a Spanish midfield that rarely lost possession. Could have done better with some of her passes and deadballs into the final third, though.

Attackers

Ajibade (4/10): The captain spent more time chasing the ball against Spain. However, the Falcons’ best chance fell to her but she missed her footing at the key moment after going one-on-one with the opposing goalie. She also shot high in the second half after good work again from Oshoala. Ended up being Nigeria’s biggest flop of the game. 

Okoronkwo (5/10): Brought in to displace Jennifer Echegini and did as well as she could against a robust Spanish defence. However, she did her best work helping out the defence than working to help Nigeria score.

Oshoala (6/10): Missed Brazil’s game but showed class against Spain. May not have run or hustled for the ball as much as Ihezuo but her quality on the ball is undeniable. Delivered the lovely through-pass that created Nigeria’s best chances of the first and second halves.

Substitutes

Ihezuo (3/10): Had the chance to equalise for Nigeria late in the game but struck her shot straight at the goalkeeper from a one-on-one situation

N Payne (4/10): N/A

Onumonu (4/10): N/A