The Super Eagles did just enough to finish runners-up of AFCON Group A after a narrow 1-0 win over Guinea Bissau. SCORENigeria rates the individual performances of the players.
6 Stanley Nwabali
The Chippa United posted his second clean sheet at the AFCON and he pulled off a couple of saves to justify the confidence the coach has shown in him.
5 Semi Ajayi
Not and assured performance and even picked upa needless booking when he was in procession of the ball. He has been one of the ever-presents of the Super Eagles at this tournament.
5 Calvin Bassey
Did not play to the level he showed against AFCON hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the previous game.
6 Kenneth Omeruo
Used his experience to make up for his lack of athleticism. A personal honour to lead out the Super Eagles in their 100th appearance in the competition.
5 Bright Osayi-Samuel
He did the minimum on his first start at this AFCON.
5 Ola Aina
Could not match the top-display he put up against the Ivorians in the Eagles previous game after he played out of position as a left back.
5 Frank Onyeka
Full of running, tracked back and tackled hard to even get a caution.
5 Joe Aribo
He got his first start so as to provide more creativity ahead of Alex Iwobi, but he did not do enough with the opportunity as he was largely invincible.
7 Moses Simon
A late replacement for Ademola Lookman, he worked his socks off as usual even when the quality was sometimes lacking. He assisted for the match winner when he drove in his low cross for the Guinea Bissau to score against his own team.
6 Victor Osimhen
The way the team are set up defensively has held him back, but he also is not at the top of his game that fans are now suggesting “Osimhen of Napoli” far better than “Osimhen of Super Eagles”. The pressure has overtaken him despite his denial.
5 Samuel Chukwueze
Another mediocre display by the AC Milan winger, who sometimes failed to track back to the frustration of the coach.
5 Alex Iwobi
A passable appearance when he was brought on for Aribo.
5 Raphael Onyedika
Finally made his AFCON bow and kept a cool head. He needs a decent chance by the Super Eagles but good enough he has time on his side.
Super Eagles starting XI vs Guinea Bissau (3-4-3)
Stanley Nwabali- Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Kenneth Omeruo (Captain) – Osayi Samuel (Zaidu Sanusi 80), Ola Aina (Chidozie Awaziem 90), Frank Onyeka (Raphael Onyedika 63), Joe Aribo (Alex Iwobi 63) – Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze (Ademola Lookman 80)
