Izuchukwu OkosiThe Super Eagles arrested their run of poor forms with a nervy 1-0 win over hosts Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday in their second Group A game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The performance of the players in an unconventional 3-4-3 formation was different and inspiring and it ensures that the three-time African champions are not in danger of an early elimination from the tournament.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelBelow Prime Business Africa sports correspondent, Izuchukwu Okosi runs the rule on the ratings of the Super Eagles players.
Stanley Nwabali
Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was impressive in the game and and some fantastic saves.
Nicknamed ‘Bobo’, Nwabali was great in one-on-one situations and despite his big frame, was not uncomfortable dealing with long distance shots.
Saw yellow for time wasting. He has to cut this down to avoid missing tons of matches for club and country. 7/10.
Ola Aina
The right back produced one of his best performances for the Super Eagles and was both defending and attacking in equal measures. 6.5/10.
Zaidu Sanusi
The Porto left back was sloppy with his clearances and passes but he had one good moment of note in the game when he made a superb block to stop a goal-bound shot.
That block alone has earned him a little above pass mark. 5.5/10.
Semi Ajayi
The West Brom central defender defended stoutly. He was great with clearing the ball on the ground and being strong in the aerial battles.
Ajayi has earned the trust of coach Jose Peseiro over the experienced Kenneth Omeruo. 7/10.
Calvin Bassey
The Fulham defender took no prisoners and matched the Ivorians strength for strength.
However despite adapting credibly to the physical demands, Bassey was intelligent with his tackles and did not get into the referee’s books. 8/10.
Frank Onyeka
Played the defensive midifeld role in the absence of Alhassan Yusuf.
The position became a delicate subject following the injury of influential Wilfred Ndidi which ruled him out of the tournament.
Onyeka made some interceptions and was strong on the air. He was lucky not to have been booked when he lunged at an opponent in the first half. 6/10.
Alex Iwobi
Apart from some great fancy tricks reminiscent of his uncle and Super Eagles legend, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Iwobi who played a more withdrawn role due to the tactical changes made by the coach would need to improve his progressive carries. 6/10.
Samuel Chukwueze
The AC Milan forward created the first real chance of the game with a tantalizing cross which Victor Osimhen spurned.
He also produced one such delivery in the second half but after that, his final balls were disappointing. 6/10.
Ademola Lookman
The Atalanta forward was a menace for the Ivorians with his footwork and runs.
Lookman is a wide player by trade but he was comfortable tucking inside the midfield. 7/10.
Victor Osimhen
The 2023 African Footballer of The Year winner bullied the Ivorians although he did miss a few chances.
Fouled inside the penalty area that led to the spot kick tucked away by Troost Ekong, Osimhen was awarded the Man of the Match for his industry.
Hopefully has no long term injury setback after he called for his own substitution. 8.5/10.
The Substitutes
Moses Simon
The Nantes forward came on in the second half to help press for another goal. He also got back to help out defensively. 5/10.
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Showed his attacking instinct despite being a defender. Made an incursion into the opposition box but saw a left footed shot blocked.
Should have laid a pass to a teammate. 5/10.
Kenneth Omeruo
Memeber of the 2013 Afcon winning squad, Omeruo came on and helped shore things up defensively. 6/10.
Paul Onuachu
Came in the 88th minute to replace Osimhen. Onuachu was a thorn for the Ivorian defenders who took turms to foul him. 6/10.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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