The Super Eagles are through to the AFCON Round of 16 after a 1-0 win over Guinea today. We rate the individual performances of the team.
6 Daniel Akpeyi
He was not really called to action for most of the game and where he was he acquitted himself very well. A second straight clean sheet and was devoid of those errors from the Burundi game.
7 Ola Aina
The right fullback again held his own at leftback. Joined the attack often and was also comfortable when he defended. He is enjoying the AFCON.
6 Chidozie Awaziem
He was decent and did not look like just a cover for the injured Shehu Abdullahi even though he ought to have featured more in attack.
6 Leon Balogun
He got his first start at this tournament and did well for a player who spent most of last season on the bench for his Premier League side.
8 Kenneth Omeruo Man of Match
He was not only the match winner with a well-taken headed goal but he was so solid in the heart of the defence as his confidence and experiences shone through. Guinea dangerman Sory Kaba was shut out.
8 Wilfred Ndidi
If Omeruo was not Man of the Match, the Leicester City enforcer would have been because he was again outstanding and played with a lot more freedom in the absence of captain Mikel Obi. It was great to see him surge forward and be part of the attack occasionally.
7 Oghenekaro Etebo
You can never fault the energy he brings into a game, but he needs to do a lot more going forward, like he did with the Olympic team a few years ago.
5 Alex Iwobi
He had a poor first half, but improved after the break. He lost the ball at least thrice to put undue pressure on the Eagkes defence. He can do a lot more even in central midfield.
7 Moses Simon
He worked his socks off as usual, often tracking back into defence, and provided the assist for match winner with his well-whipped corner as the minutes ticked away.
6 Odion Ighalo
He battled all day long, but was kept out by the equally powerful Guinea central defenders, who shadowed the striker for every minute of this physical contest and were both booked for late tackles.
7 Ahmed Musa
He worked hard and would probably have gt his name on the score board had Ighalo not been selfish in the 32nd minute. His speed allowed for the long balls from midfield to locate him on the wings in swift counters that Nigeria football is known for.
Not enough minutes to rate subs Chukwueze, Onuachu and Kalu
Daniel Akpeyi – Ola Aina, Chidozie Awaziem, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo – Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Alex Iwobi (Samuel Chukwueze 78) – Moses Simon (Samuel Kalu 90), Odion Ighalo (Paul Onuachu 85), Ahmed Musa (captain)
