SCORENigeria rates the individual performances of the Super Eagles in a 1-0 win over Egypt at the AFCON in Cameroon.
6 Maduka Okoye
The Sparta Rotterdam shot stopper was only really tested by Egypt in the 70th minute when Mohamed Salah slipped through on goal, but his left boot somehow kept out this threat. A clean sheet on his AFCON debut.
6 Zaidu Sanusi
He was calm, did his defensive duties admirably and also surged forward to join the attack.
6 Ola Aina
He was lively and made some surging runs upfront to underline his growing self-belief.
6 William Ekong
The stand-in captain shamed most critics with a solid performance in the heart of the back four. He acquitted himself nicely against an Egyptian team boasting some top strikers in Europe.
6 Kenneth Omeruo
His lack of pace was not noticeable as teamed up with the rest of the defence to snuff out the threat posed by Mohammed Salah. Effective and efficient.
7 Wilfred Ndidi
He was the screen in front of the back four and he also joined the attack more often.
7 Joe Aribo
He was a battler and his tireless runs in the midfield ensured he posted one of his best games in a Super Eagles shirt. But it’s left to be seen how he will fare with the physicality of Sudan and Guinea Bissau in subsequent group games.
9 MAN OF MATCH Moses Simon
He was the best player on the pitch today with his daring runs down the left flank even after he was double teamed by the Egyptian defenders. He was involved in the match winner after his dangerous cross forced the Egyptians to make a hurried clearance, which eventually led to the winning goal. But he still needs to work on his crosses and final balls.
6 Samuel Chukwueze
The Villarreal striker played below par but he also worked hard for the team with his selfless marking. A lot more though is expected of him at this tournament especially after what he showed at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.
8 Kelechi Iheanacho
He scored a great goal with his favoured left foot and generally enjoyed his main role of playing behind the top striker. And had he been a lot more clinical in front of goal, he could have scored more goals especially in the second half to kill off the game for the Eagles. A good-scoring AFCON debut for ‘Seniorman Kelz’.
7 Taiwo Awoniyi
He did not hit target, but he was a constant worry for the Egyptian defence. He pressed hard and his hold-up play certainly caught the eye. He will still lead the attack Saturday against Sudan.
6 Sadiq Umar
He replaced Awoniyi on 72 minutes and showed glimpses of the form he has displayed in Spain these past few years. He was not scared to take on his marker.
Chidera Ejuke, Semi Ajayi, Alex Iwobi not enough minutes to earn decent ratings
Super Eagles vs Egypt (4-4-2):
Maduka Okoye – Zaidu Sanusi, Willim Ekong (Captain), Kenneth Omeruo (Semi Ajayi 79), Ola Aina – Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo, Moses Simon (Alex Iwobi 90), Samuel Chukwueze (Chidera Ejuke 72) – Kelechi Iheanacho (Kelechi Nwakali 80), Taiwo Awoniyi (Sadiq Umar 72)
