Super Eagles stars shine in 1-0 win over Cote d’Ivoire: Player ratings

Nigeria secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Cote d’Ivoire at the Stade Olympique Ouattara, with William Troost-Ekong’s penalty proving to be the decisive goal. Here’s a breakdown of the Super Eagles’ individual performances:

1. Christian Nwabali (8/10): The Chippa United goalkeeper delivered another standout performance, showcasing excellent decision-making, commanding the defense, and making three crucial saves in the match. Maybe the Eagles goalkeeping department has found a solution.
2. Ola Aina (7.5/10): The Nottingham Forest full-back impressed with his defensive duels, putting in a resilient performance and effectively neutralizing Jeremie Boga. Aina was enterprising with his moves going forward.
3. William Troost-Ekong (8/10): The captain led by example, converting the penalty confidently and providing a solid defensive display, winning all of his tackles. Match-winner.
4. Semi Ajayi (6.5/10): While Ajayi initially struggled with the physicality, he grew into the game, disrupting the opponent’s defense with aerial threats from set-pieces.
5. Calvin Bassey (7.5/10): Bassey’s physical strength played a vital role in defense, winning nine duels and combining well with Zaidu Sanusi. Kudos to Peseiro for the tactical switch.
6. Zaidu Sanusi (6.5/10): The Porto full-back was defensively solid and handled set-piece duties well. However, his final ball in attack lacked precision.
7. Frank Onyeka (7/10): Positioned in an advanced role, Onyeka caused problems for the Ivorian team with effective ball disruptions and defensive contributions. His tackles to disrupt the opposition attacks was vital for the Eagles.
8. Alex Iwobi (7/10): Placed in central midfield in Pesiero’s new formation, Iwobi showcased creativity with five key passes and active defensive involvement with six ball recoveries.
9. Ademola Lookman (6.5/10): Lookman created three chances and displayed accurate set-piece deliveries. However, physicality affected his overall impact, unlike in the game vs Equatorial Guinea.
10. Samuel Chukwueze (6/10): Despite possessing trickery and pace, Chukwueze struggled with decision-making in the final third, limiting his impact. Should have done better when he got into promising attacking positions.
11. Victor Osimhen (8/10): Osimhen won the penalty, showcased excellent hold-up play, and received long balls effectively under intense pressure. Voted official man-of-the-match.

Substitutes:

12. Bright Osayi-Samuel (5/10): Introduced late in the game, Osayi-Samuel’s decision-making hampered a chance to score the second goal.
13. Moses Simon (5.5/10): Substituted in the 72nd minute, Simon struggled to make a significant impact on the game.
14. Kenneth Omeruo: Came on to help secure the victory in the final minutes.

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