Super Eagles of Nigeria player ratings for the 1-1 draw vs Equatorial Guinea

Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea shared the spoils in a 2023 AFCON group A fixture that ended in a 1-1 draw, SportsRation provides a comprehensive assessment of the individual performances of Super Eagles players at the Stade Olympique Ouattara in Ivory Coast.

HOW THE EAGLES FARED VS EQUATORIAL GUINEA

1. Stanley Nwabali (5.5/10): The Chippa United goalkeeper exhibited calmness throughout the game. Despite conceding a goal, Nwabali had little chance to stop Iban Salvador’s well-placed shot that in a game he did not have any save to make.
2. Ola Aina (6/10): The Nottingham Forest full-back started shakily but improved as the game progressed. Aina provided width in attack and had a near-scoring opportunity denied by Equatorial Guinea’s goalkeeper, Jesus Owono.
3. William Troost Ekong (6.5/10): Captain for the day, Ekong led the backline effectively, displaying good command and vocal leadership.
4. Semi Ajayi (6.5/10): The West Bromwich Albion central defender faced physical challenges but excelled with the ball at his feet as usual, contributing solid passes to aid the team’s build-up from the back.
5. Zaidu Sanusi (6/10): The Porto full-back showcased defensive solidity. His indecision in delivering the crosses and poor finishing were costly.
6. Frank Onyeka (6/10): The Brentford midfielder concentrated on providing cover to the backline. Did little going forward or with the long passes.
7. Yusuf Alhassan (8/10): A stellar Super Eagles debut for the Royal Antwerp midfielder. Yusuf impressed with his physicality and attempts to drive the team forward from midfield and movements across the pitch. Unfortunately, he came off with injury.
8. Alex Iwobi (6/10): Iwobi dazzled early in the game but saw a decrease in involvement as time progressed. He forced a save from Owono in the first minute but struggled to make a significant impact afterward until the pocket pass to send Osimhen through on goal in the final quarter.
9. Ademola Lookman (7.5/10): The Atalanta winger showcased versatility, causing trouble for Equatorial Guinea’s defense with his movement and ability to create space for his teammates. Lookman was unfortunate not to score but displayed creativity in setting up Victor Osimhen for Nigeria’s equalizer.
10. Moses Simon (5/10): The Nantes winger had a challenging game on the right flank, with limited success in delivering crosses. His notable moment came when his shot was tipped onto the woodwork by Owono. One of his worst game in Nigerian colour.
11. Victor Osimhen (6/10): The CAF Player of the Year award winner scored Nigeria’s equalizer and posed a constant threat to the opposition defense. However, his finishing lacked precision, missing crucial chances that would have handed Nigeria maximum points.

Substitutes:

• Joe Aribo (6.5/10): Came on for the injured Yusuf, the Southampton midfielder created a late chance with his run-into the box and contributed to the team’s attacking efforts.
• Samuel Chukwueze (4.5/10): The right winger struggled with decision-making, after beating his man. A game to forget.
• Calvin Bassey: Late substitute for Sanusi, the left-back had limited impact, similar to Bright Osayi-Samuel.

As Nigeria prepares to face Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday, January 18, 2024, Nigerians will be hoping to see improvements in teams finisihing.

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