The Super Eagles are through to the knockout rounds of the AFCON in Cameroon after a comfortable 3-1 win over Sudan.
How did the players fare individually?
6 Maduka Okoye
Rather unfortunately he did not keep a clean sheet like he had against Egypt and strangely fumbled what should be an easy aerial ball right inside his box.
7 Ola Aina
The Torino defender always poses a threat when he makes one of his surging runs down the opposing goal area. This was another good shift from him.
6 Zaidu Sanusi
Did just enough on the night. He needs to push forward a lot more, like he does at his Portuguese club FC Porto.
7 William Ekong
He was again solid in the heart of the back four, but it must be noted that Sudan did not pose much of a threat on Nigeria’s goal. It would be interesting to see how he copes as the stakes rise in this tournament.
7 Kenneth Omeruo
He was also strong and assured at the back as the Sudanese did very little to trouble the Eagles defence.
7 Wilfred Ndidi
Kept up his high standards as usual. He remains one of the team’s most consistent performers.
8 Joe Aribo
His elegance was in full glare as Sudan showed him too much respect and allowed him space and time to strut his stuff. He has raised the bar for the likes of Kelechi Nwakali.
9 MAN OF THE MATCH Moses Simon
The FC Nantes winger was the MOM for the second straight game with a goal and an assist. He is clearly enjoying the AFCON in Cameroon.
8 Samuel Chukwueze
He scored his second AFCON goal to set the ball rolling for a crucial win by the Super Eagles. It was a far better showing by the Villarreal forward after a disappointing outing against Egypt.
7 Kelechi Iheanacho
He worked hard as always to justify his second straight start at this tournament. He will be an important player for the team as they make progress in Cameroon.
8 Taiwo Awoniyi
He was lucky to net his first AFCON goal and so ease the pressure on him as comparisons with Victor Osimhen continue. His hold-up play is second to none.
6 Alex Iwobi
An okay performance, but will need to rise to the challenge were he to reclaim a first-team shirt in this Super Eagles.
5 Kelechi Nwakali
He was too cautious to impact the game. He will need to dare to conquer his critics.
5 Ahmed Musa
He was largely anonymous, but at least he has added his number of caps to now hold the all-time record appearances with 103 caps for Nigeria.
4 Sadiq Umar
He looked slow and clumsy. He will certainly need to improve.
Super Eagles starting XI vs Sudan:
Maduka Okoye – Ola Aina, Zaidu Sanusi, William Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo – Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo (Kelechi Nwakali 65), Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze (Alex Iwobi 46) – Kelechi Iheanacho (Ahmed Musa 65), Taiwo Awoniyi (Sadiq Umar)
