The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated the Squirrels of Benin Republic 1-0 to end their eight years unbeaten run at home courtesy of a goal in stoppage time by Paul Onuachu.
Owngoalnigeria.com rates the players on parade for Nigeria in the game.
Maduka Okoye – Didn’t have much to do as Nigeria dominated but was solid on three occasions when he needed to be particularly when he showed good reflex to push a header to safety…..6/10
Ola Aina – He wasn’t that adventurous like he use to be for his English Premier League side Fulham. Solid defensively and very assured in possession……6/10
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Zaidu Sanusi- By far the best Nigerian player on display. Uncompromising in tackles and bomb forward at ease to set up goal scoring chances. His corner kick led to the scramble that resulted in the lone goal of the game……8/10
Leon Balogun – It was all too easy for him. Moved the ball out of defence comfortably and not for once allowed himself to be in a situation that calls for concern…..7/10
Troost-Ekong – Not quite at home with the decision of the back line to play from the back as he was quick to clear his lines. His partnership with Balogun was however solid…..6/10
Wilfred Ndidi – Played in a role that is a bit different from how he operates at Leicester City. Kept it simple playing as a pivot of a midfield three. Was quick to react with a header in the incident that brought about the winning goal…..6/10
Joe Aribo- He was everywhere he needed to be and covered more grounds that any other player on the pitch for Nigeria. A top top showing from the man who recently won the Scottish League with Rangers…..7.5/10
Kelechi Iheanacho- Seniorman was played as a number ten instead of the role behind the striker that he has made his own at Leicester City. Had couple of nice touches and a shot on target but didn’t do that much until he was substituted…..6/10
Henry Onyekuru- Played wide on the left but didn’t quite influence the game as expected. Guilty of taking the safer option instead of trying to make something happen. Didn’t help his cause to cement his spot in the team……5/10
Samuel Chukwueze- He wasn’t anywhere close to his best but showed flashes of what he can do in tight spaces. Still need to work on his decision making in the final third……6/10
Victor Osimhen – Worked really hard as the lone man forward for the Super Eagles. Had two efforts poorly taken when he could have done better. His effort was punched into the path of Onuachu for the winner……6/10
Substitutes:
Chidozie Awaziem- He wasn’t keen on pushing forward. Did his job brilliantly for the time he was on……5/10
Anayo Iwuala- Very direct and pacy but like Chukwueze his decision making in telling moments need to improve. Decided to shoot when a simple pass would have been a better option. Did well for a debutant……6/10
Paul Onuachu- Reacted perfectly to score the winner. His strength has always been in the box and that he showed with the way he scored the winner……6/10
