Super Eagles Victory Against Angola: How Simon, Osimhen, 10 Others Rated In Quarterfinals Win 

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face the winner of Saturday’s quarterfinals match between Cape Verde and South Africa in one of Wednesday’s semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

The semifinals feat means it will be the 15th time the Eagles will reach that stage of the AFCON in 19 appearances.

Jose Peseiro’s team pipped Angola 1-0 at the Houphouët-Boigny stadium, Abidjan thanks to an Ademola Lookman strike to become the first side to book their place in the ‘last four’ of the tournament.

Prime Business Africa’s Izuchukwu Okosi presents the Super Eagles players’ ratings.

Goalkeeper

Stanley Nwabali

The Chippa United goalkeeper made an instinctive save in the 4th minute of the game but was largely untested for the rest of the game barring the effort by Zini that came off the underside of the post in the second half.

His confidence and strong character even in the midst of the superstar European players makes him an important part of the group. 6.5/10.

Defenders

Ola Aina

The Nottingham Forest right back did not start the game in the most encouraging fashion as he was ponderous with the ball and had a bit of showboat which was really unnecessary.

However as the game went on his impact was felt down the flanks as he defended impressively against the trickery forward, Gelson Dala, and helped the attacking moves from the right side. 6/10.

Zaidu Sanusi

The Porto left back did not certainly have one of his best games in the green and white jersey as he made some comical errors and failed to make a decisive pass that could have led to the creation of a goal in the first half just before the referee blew his whistle for the halftime break.

Blasted a shot wide from close range in the second half. 5/10.

Semi Ajayi

The central defender gave away the ball rather uncomfortably in the first half but grew into the game and showed glimpses of the form we all saw against Cameroon. 6/10.

William Troost Ekong

The on-field captain was splendid on the evening and took no prisoner with his solid defensive approach and leadership.

Made a telling clearance after Zini hit the underside of the post. 8/10.

Midfielders

Calvin Bassey

The defender cum midfielder tucked in the defensive midfield alongside Brentford’s Frank Onyeka and was dominant in the manner he dealt with the threat of the tinted-haired Gilberto.

Big, strong and reliable. He was however booked (yellow) for overreacting when he was provoked by an Angolan player. Must watch his temperament. 7/10.

Frank Onyeka

The ‘tank’ was hugely impressive in midfield and has continued to prove that he could be an integral part of the setup even when the injured Wilfred Ndidi makes his return to the team.

Made vital blocks but stretchered off in the second half for a suspected shoulder injury. Hopefully he is fit to play on Wednesday. 7/10.

Alex Iwobi

Lost the ball a couple of times bit generally he had a great game.

Unfairly criticised by a section of Nigerian fans, Iwobi who made ‘the pass before the assist’ delivered by Bassey which Lookman scored from against Cameroon in the round of 16, made a cross-field pass to Zaidu which culminated in the goal scored by Lookman on Friday. 6.5/10.

Forwards

Ademola Lookman

The Atalanta forward has now scored three goals in the tournament, proving to be one of the best players of the AFCON in Ivory Coast.

He finished off the mazy run and fantastic pass from Moses Simon with aplomb.

Lookman was also useful in the defensive phase of the team’s game, getting back to help the midfield in screening the back four. 8/10.

Moses Simon

The Man of the Match. Simon assisted Lookman’s goal after that blistering pace and then the superb cutback to Lookman.

Simon is good asset going forward as well as defending against the opposition.

Sometimes though, his final balls could leave much to be desired. 9/10.

Victor Osimhen

The star striker and current African Footballer of The Year was a menace in the aerial duels. He was also helpful clearing the ball from danger when the Angolans get their setpieces.

Osimhen scored a ‘goal’ in the second half but unfortunately the VAR review proved correctly that he was offside in the buildup. 8.5/10.

The Substitutes

Alhassan Yusuf: The only sub we are rating as he came on to replace Alex Iwobi fairly earlier than the others. Found Lookman with a good pass and the latter creating a chance for Osimhen.

The vision behind the pass earns him a decent rating meaning he could have earned more if he played more minutes. Impressive cameo. 4.5/10.

Paul Onuachu, Kenneth Omeruo, Joe Aribo

The trio were introduced late in the game. Not Rated.