The Super Eagles made it three wins out of three after seeing off Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in their last AFCON 2021 Group D at the Roumde Adjia Stadium Garoua on Wednesday, January 19 2021
In this piece, we rate performance of the Nigeria players against their fellow West Africans on the scale of 1 to 10.
Francis Uzoho (6)
Francis Uzoho did not really have much to do through out the match, but made good saves in the few occasions he was called to action.
Tyronne Ebuehi (6)
Put in a decent performance in the right-back position as he bombed forward to supper the attack and also did his defensive duties.
William Troost-Ekong (8)
Made it 2-0 for the Eagles after tapping into an empty net off Moses Simon’s shot which came off the bar.
Marked his impressive display with the Man of the Match award.
Also Read – AFCON 2021: Sadiq, Troost-Ekong On Target As Eagles Thump Guinea-Bissau 2-0; Egypt Pip Sudan
Semi Ajayi (7)
Ajay I would have opened the scoring in the first half but could not direct his header off Kelechi Nwakali’s free-kick towards goal.
Also made a timely block after Uzoho spilled a long range shot.
Jamilu Collins (6)
Unlike his opposite full-back, Ebuehi, Jamilu Collins did not venture much upfront as he was focused more on keeping things tidy at his end.
Kelechi Nwakali (7)
Was unlucky not to register two assists as a reward for his impressive performance in midfield.
Teed up Umar Sadiq after going past a couple of tackles, but the striker wasted the opportunity and also floated in a well taken setpiece which Ajayi headed over the crossbar.
Wilfred Ndidi (7)
Showed his experience as he kept things tidy in the Eagles’ midfield which gave Nwakali the freedom to go forward more.
Chidera Ejuke (6)
Kept the Guinea-Bissau right side of defense busy and went close in the first half after cutting in but saw his goal-bound shot blocked.
But did not do much in the second half before and was later withdrawn.
Alex Iwobi (6)
Iwobi Started off from the right side of the Super Eagles’ attack but didn’t offer much but later grew into the game.
Kelechi Iheanacho (7)
Provided a superb assist for Umar Sadiq’s goal with the outside of his boot.
Almost opened the scoring with an audacious lob from the centre circle which the keeper palmed over the bar.
Umar Sadiq (6)
Finally got his first goal for the Super Eagles after prodding home from Iheanacho’s pass.
Had a golden opportunity in the first half after going one on one with the keeper, but failed to convert the chance.
SUBSTITUTES
Moses Simon (7)
Was a handful for the Guinea-Bissau backline after coming on in the second half for Chidera Ejuke.
Had a hand in the Eagles’ second goal, as it was his shot which came off the bar that Troost-Ekong finished off.
Peter Olayinka (6)
Was lively when he came on as replacement for Umar in the 57th minute and was close to getting an assist after setting up Simon who could only send his effort off target.
Frank Onyeka (6)
Onyeka was brought on as 76th minute replacement for Nwakali to help shore up the midfield, and did his job well as the Eagles close out the game.
Olisa Ndah (6)
Slotted into the right-back position after coming on for Ebuehi in the 76th minute and kept things simple and tidy.
Henry Onyekuru (Not rated)
Onyekuru came on for Iheanacho in the 85th minute, and consequently didn’t get an ample playing time for rating. Tried to get more involved in the game, but was unlucky not to get into decent positions as he was quickly closed down.
