On loan Napoli forward Victor Osimhen turned out as the hero for the senior national team of Nigeria with a brace that powered them to a 2-0 win over their host Rwanda in Kigali.
Osimhen who was playing his first match in the world cup qualifiers after missing the first four games in the series showed his striker’s instincts with the opening goal of Nigeria by stabbing home a well delivered free kick from Ademola Lookman in the 11th minute.
He was on hand again making the best of a header from Samuel Chukwueze by beating his marker to the ball before dinking the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper of Rwanda.
Below is our rating of the Super Eagles players in the game that was their first win after four wins in the qualifiers.
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Stanley Nwabali – Was largely untroubled in the first half. Commanded his area really well when he had to drawing Rwanda before making his throw out…..7/10
Bright Osayi-Samuel – Didn’t look out of place in the back and linked up with Samuel Chukwueze high up the pitch. Unfortunately to go off injured…..7/10
Ola Aina – Not quite comfortable playing at left back and struggled to get going in the first half. Got subbed off in the second half…..7.5/10
Calvin Bassey – Won virtually all his duels and was brilliant in ensuring that Rwanda got no sniff of the Super Eagles goal. Made more clearance than any other player on the pitch…..8/10
William Troost-Ekong – Could have scored a brace from well taken balls into the box. Otherwise solid in his main job in defence…..8/10
Wilfred Ndidi – Mopped everything in front of him, covering lot of ground which gave balance to the attack and defence…..8/10
Alex Iwobi – Cool, calm and collected under pressure. Didn’t look troubled even when Rwanda tried to press. Showed good understanding of the diamond formation system by the head coach Eric Chelle…..8.5/10
Samuel Chukwueze – Claimed the assist for Osimhen’s second goal with a knock down. Went past his markers with ease helping in making the transition from defence to attack…..7.5/10
Ademola Lookman – His freekicks and corner kicks troubled Rwanda. One from which Osimhen scored the opener. Looked lively in a role deep away from goal in the diamond formation…..8/10
Moses Simon – Came close to scoring with a curler. Very lively and energetic all through the game…..8.5/10
Victor Osimhen – Man of the match. Showed striker’s instincts with his positioning and finish for the first goal. Took his second goal really well. A battling ram who chased down everything that came his way…..9/10
Substitutes:
Bruno Onyemaechi – Slots into the role vacated by Aina with ease and showed good composure on the ball…..7/10
Alhassan Yusuf – Played in an unusual role at right back and didn’t look out of place particularly when they needed to keep the ball in the closing stages of the game……6/10
Raphael Onyedika – Helped brought stability to the Super Eagles midfield with his assuredness in possession and passes…..7/10
Tolu Arokodare – Held up play nicely and showed why he got the nod ahead of the duo of Sadiq Umar and Victor Boniface…..6.5/10
