Nigeria rounded up their group stage campaign at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations with a comprehensive 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau to maintain their 100 percent record at the tournament.
Sadiq Umar and William Troost Ekong scored for Nigeria in the second half in the game where coach Austine Eguavoen made as many as eight changes from the team that started the previous two games.
Owngoalnigeria.com rates the players on parade for Nigeria in the tournament.
Francis Uzoho – Showed good distribution with his feet and also firm in his grip and positioning. Although he wasn’t severely tested…..6/10
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Tyrone Ebuehi – Solid in defending and providing coverage for the central defence. Got high up the pitch a lot but didn’t do enough to make himself a threat…..6/10
William Ekong – The game played into his style of play nicely. Won his tackles effortlessly. Surprisingly distributed the ball nicely and as usual was solid in aerial duels. Capped his performance with a goal…..7.5/10
Semi Ajayi – He doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to do anything. So calm and assured in possession. Drove the ball forward with authority and performed his defensive duties admirably well…..7/10
Jamilu Collins – Ran the left flank all game long. Didn’t misplace a single pass and was readily available to be used as an outlet. Won all his tackles and capped an impressive night with a last ditch tackle to deny Guinea-Bissau a chance at goal…..6.5/10
Wilfred Ndidi – So much that he left every other in midfield playing catch up. Won and distributed the ball with ease. As usual covered the most ground to once again cement his position in the team…..7/10
Kelechi Nwakali – Deadly at set piece situation. Drove the ball forward twice where he showed his ability to thread telling passes. Dropped in intensity as the game progresses. Need to play more forward passes…..6/10
Kelechi Iheanacho – Linked up nicely with Iwobi and Ndidi. Didn’t look as threatening as he has been so far. His side footed well weighted pass set Sadiq up for the opener. Not one of his best games but yet so effective…..6/10
Chidera Ejuke – A delight with the ball at his feet with the way he goes past his markers but lacked the conviction to hurt Guinea-Bissau like Simon did when he was introduced. Yet to play at the level expected of him…..5/10
Alex Iwobi – Looked lost, bereft of ideas, slow and wasteful in possession. It’s apparent that he is having confidence crisis. Although he showed his creative side when he moved in field following the introduction of Henry Onyekuru for the final ten minutes…..5/10
Sadiq Umar – Put his body where it hurts and carried a presence which unsettled the defence of Guinea-Bissau. Had some heavy touches and made difficult some easy decisions which would have earned him a goal. Took his goal calmly…..5.5/10
Substitutes:
Moses Simon – The star of the tournament for the Nigerian team so far. Picked up from where he left off the previous two games with another storming display. Completed seven dribbles out of seven including a solo effort which led to the shot that came off the bar for Ekong to stab home the rebound…..7/10
Peter Olayinka – Didn’t get involved as expected. Bullied off the ball easily and didn’t put the press to stop Guinea-Bissau from playing from the back…..5/10
Henry Onyekuru – Tried so hard to make best use of the minutes he was given. Ran with the ball purposefully and with intent…..4/10
Frank Onyeka – Solid as the pivot alongside Ndidi. Brought stability to the middle for Nigeria with his positioning, ball winning ability and also movement…..5/10
Olisa Ndah – Didn’t get involved enough to earn a rating but might fancy a career at right back as looked quite at home there.
