5 months ago
35 The Super Eagles got their campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations off to a disappointing 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in Group A on Sunday.
A Victor Osimhen’s equaliser helped rescue a point for the Eagles against Equatorial Guinea who are making their fourth AFCON appearance.
Here his Completesports.com’s Super Eagles player ratings.
Stanley Nwabali
Made his first competitive appearance for the Super Eagles and looked calm throughout the game.
Couldn’t have done anything for the Equatorial Guinea goal – 6
Ola Aina
Had a good chance to put the Super Eagles 2-1 up but saw his effort stopped by the Equatorial Guinea keeper. Aside that opportunity did not do much – 6
William Troost-Ekong
Marshaled the backline well which did not really come under much pressure throughout the game.
Made a timely clearance off a dangerous low cross into the Eagles box – 6
Semi Ajayi
Just like Troost-Ekong, did well to keep Equatorial Guinea forward line at bay – 6
Zaidu Sanusi
Had the first big chance of the game for the Eagles in the first half but failed to slot the ball into the net from close range.
Was presented with another good opportunity from a counter but hit a weak effort which was stopped by the keeper – 5.
Frank Onyeka
Did not do anything of note as was just contended with the basics.
Must up his game especially as the Eagles will face the hosts as a lot will be demanded from him – 5
Alhassan Yusuf
Despite making his competitive debut Alhassan Yusuf put in a memorable performance as he was everywhere trying to make things happen.
Unfortunately had to be stretchered off with a thigh injury – 7
Alex Iwobi
Had the first chance of the game with a long range strike which was well saved.
Faded away after a bright start and came alive in the second half and set up both Osimhen and Sanusi with clever passes which they failed to put away – 7
Moses Simon
Started off on the right side but struggled to make any meaningful impact.
Switched places in the second half but could not do much and had to go off – 5
Ademola Lookman
Provided the assist for the Super Eagles equaliser and should have scored from a rebound but ballooned his effort over the bar from inside the box – 6
Victor Osimhen
Got the Eagles back in the game immediately after they conceded against the run of play.
Had a golden chance to put the Eagles ahead but put his effort wide after coming one on one with the keeper – 7
Substitutes:
Samuel Chukwueze
Was brought on for Simon but just like the player he replaced couldn’t make things happen as he was well contained – 5
Joe Aribo
Came on for the injured Yusuf but could not replicate the performance of the Royal Antwerp midfielder – 5
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Replaced Aina on the right side but did not do anything of note to help the Eagles claim the three points – 5
Calvin Bassey
Came on with less than 10 minutes left in the game and put in some wasteful crosses – 5
Paul Onuachu
Came on deep in stoppage time for Iwobi but not enough time to make any impact.
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