SCORENigeria rates the individual performances of the Super Eagles in their 2-0 win over five-time AFCON champions Cameroon to progress to the quarterfinal of the continental showpiece event.
7 Stanley Nwabali
The giant shot stopper recorded his third straight clean sheet at the AFCON before he was forced out of the game by injury. He again exuded confidence and displayed a commanding presence.
8 Calvin Bassey
He delivered the assist for the Eagles second goal. He was flawless on the left side of the trio of central defenders. His addition has brought the much-needed stability in the defence.
8 William Ekong
He played a captain’s game, leading by example. He produced a decisive block right inside his box soon after Nigeria had taken the lead. His commitment to the cause cannot be questioned particularly as he has had to shake off a thigh injury to feature in this epic clash.
8 Semi Ajayi
He added the physicality that critics had said he lacked. He was a bit unlucky that his effort was chalked off after VAR showed Osimhen was offside was offside by the time he scored.
8 Ola Aina
He is truly enjoying himself at this AFCON. Defending as if his life depended on it and at the same time surging forward with such confidence to keep the other team at bay.
7 Zaidu Sanusi
Gave everything for the team even though he was sometimes hesitant when he pushed forward. He has also been managing a shoulder problem.
7 Frank Onyeka
He has continued to be the engine of the team as he ran and ran, covering every blade of grass. He also harried and marked his life out. He showed why he has continued to win the confidence of coach Jose Peseiro.
7 Alex Iwobi
He battled in the midfield, keeping things simple. He justified his return to the starting XI after Joe Aribo did not cut it against Guinea Bissau in the previous game.
7 Moses Simon
The FC Nantes winger worked his socks off as usual, tracking back to help out in the defence. He always posed a danger to the opposing defence particularly when he switched to his more favoured left wing. He has had to play on the right because of Lookman, it is a sacrifice for the team.
9 Ademola Lookman
He was the deserved Man of the Match not only for his brace that won this game, but also his whole-hearted performance. Without a doubt the best game for the Super Eagles by the Atalanta forward.
8 Victor Osimhen He may not have scored a goal tonight but his commitment to Nigeria cannot be questioned. Out of nothing he put the pressure on the Cameroonian defender before he threaded a through ball for Lookman to open scoring for the Super Eagles. His persistence and the danger he always possessed forced Cameroon to sit back in their own half of the pitch for most of this match. He all spent because he also fell back to help back in defence.
