Interim coach Finidi George and the Super Eagles did enough to go past arch-rivals Ghana 2-1 tonight in a friendly in Morocco.
SCORENigeria rates the individual performances of the players.
Highlights as #Nigeria beat West African rivals #Ghana 2-1 in an entertaining Marrakesh friendly after goals from Cyriel Dessers and Ademola Lookman.
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) March 22, 2024
Jordan Ayew scored a stoppage-time penalty after Bright Osayi-Samuel had brought down Antoine Semenyo. pic.twitter.com/0vYBCJjoPF
7.5 Stanley Nwabali
He may not have kept a clean sheet, but the South Africa-based goalkeeper pulled off a string of saves especially in the second half to ward off the Black Stars of Ghana from getting a result on the day. Clearly, Bobo has come to stay for a long time as the Super Eagles No 1 after his heroics at the AFCON.
7 Bruno Onyemaechi
The Boavista defender played second fiddle to Zaidu Sanusi at the AFCON and he got his chance to start ahead of the more experienced Jamilu Collins and he did not disappoint. Hopefully, he will now have a more decent run in the team.
6 Benjamin Tanimu
The caretaker coach took a big gamble on the former Bendel Insurance defender, who made his Super Eagles debut today. It was an okay outing, but he will need to do a lot more to be part of the national team sentiments apart.
7 Semi Ajayi
He was an ever-present at the AFCON and he has continued to enjoy such recognition under a new coach. He was again a stabalising pillar in the heart of the defence. He is not spectacular, he is simply effective.
7 Chidozie Awaziem
Today he did not look like a player who rarely saw action at the AFCON as he played with a lot of confidence driving out of defence to link up with the midfield. That William Ekong was not missed was a proof he did a good job playing alongside Ajayi.
7 Wilfred Ndidi
Ndidi tidied things at the back from his defensive midfield role. Without a doubt, the Super Eagles are a lot better off with a fit Ndidi on the team.
6.5 Frank Onyeka
He has continued to enjoy more game time in the national team on the back of what he showed at the AFCON. His commitment to the team cause and his engine stood him out again.
6 Bright Osayi-Samuel
Gave away the penalty for Ghana to put some respectability to this derby loss. He will have to do a lot more to be picked ahead of Ola Aina, who missed today’s match due to injury.
7 Alex Iwobi
He enjoyed a free role to provide the assist for a sublime goal by Ademola Lookman. The sad events at the AFCON, where he was bullied online, are now all forgotten.
6.5 Kelechi Iheanacho
He looked overweight and as one of the most experienced internationals on parade, he ought to have produced a lot more in his first start for the Super Eagles in 2024.
7 Cyriel Dessers
He scored the opening goal to get things going for the Super Eagles against their perennial rivals. It was an important goal from the penalty spot that made the difference between two evenly matched teams. He also missed at least one big chance in open play.
7 Ademola Lookman
The Atalanta forward is gradually forming the habit of scoring sumptuous goals for the Super Eagles. He made the most impact of the four late subs introduced by Finidi after just five minutes on the pitch.
Super Eagles Starting XI vs Ghana: Nwabali – Onyemaechi (Collins 85), Tanimu (Lookman 79), Semi Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem – Wilfred Ndidi (captain) (Raphael Onyedika 72), Frank Onyeka, Osayi, Iwobi – Iheanacho, Dessers (Moses Simon 72)
Iheanacho, despite appearing slightly overweight, was one of our best players against Ghana and contributed to both goals. And you rate him a 6.5? Lower than Desser’s rating? Not rational