SCORENigeria rates the individual performances of the Super Eagles in a 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia in Portimao, Portugal,
3 Francis Uzoho
His blunder gave Saudi Arabia an undeserved lead in this friendly. He was disappointing after making a big save in the first half. The Super Eagles need a better goalkeeper going into the 2026 World Cup qualifiers next month and the AFCON in January.
4 Tyronne Ebuehi
Looked interesting when he joined the attack but struggled to keep up with his primary role of defending his own goal.
4 Calvin Bassey
He is still rash and raw in his tackles. Playing in central defence exposes his many shortcomings. He gave away the stoppage time free kick from which Saudis salvaged a draw.
5 Semi Ajayi
A decent outing as he was the most composed and assured defender for the Super Eagles on the day.
Ndidi is trending because of this moment he shared with the super eagles goal keeper, Francis Uzoho. pic.twitter.com/JM8jGeLuTl
— Trending Explained (@TrendingEx) October 14, 2023
4 Bruno Onyemaechi
Great when going forward, but gave away a lot back in defence. Not a starter when it comes to Crunch Time.
6 Wilfred Ndidi
Mobile, confident and played a captain’s game. He delivered some through passes, involved in the equalising goal and generally enjoyed a good game.
5 Alex Iwobi
Lively as always, but still lacked the creativity that the Super Eagles desperately need at this level.
4 Samuel Chukwueze
His display again lacked the cutting edge, just as has been the case at his new Italian club AC Milan. He is now most probably best as an impact sub.
4 Ademola Lookman
He failed to translate the form he has shown at Serie A club Atalanta this season. He was sluggish and did not decide in time when it mattered most like he did against Sao Tome last month.
7 Victor Boniface
An exciting addition to the Super Eagles attack. He was daring, worked hard deep in midfield and displayed the self-belief that has made him one of the new stars in the German Bundesliga. He forced the equaliser with his physical presence and persistence and looked like a player who has been in this team for some time.
5 Victor Osimhen
He was committed to the team cause as always, but there was no end product from him the couple of times he troubled the opposing defence.
4 Terem Moffi
He did not offer much in place of the injured Osimhen. A rather subdued display when he ought to stake a bigger claim for a place in this star-studded team.
5 Moses Simon
The FC Nantes winger is no longer a starter for Nigeria, but he showed his usual industry, urgency and directness when he was brought on. He was involved in the equalizer for the team and was a constant danger for the Saudis
7 Kelechi Iheanacho
Along with Boniface, he was one of the positives for the Super Eagles in this warm-up game. He scored a top-class goal to give Nigeria a 2-1 lead and came close on a couple other occasions. He is a striker on form after his recent run of goals at Leicester City.
4 Joe Aribo
He did show enough when he was brought on late in the second half. He has lost his place in this team and it won’t be a shock should he miss the final cut to the AFCON.
3 Sadiq Umar
He lacked sharpness and that explained why he failed to connect a decent ball in the 85th minute to increase the Eagles lead in the match. His long-term injury has taken a huge toll on him physically and mentally.
4 Bright Osayi
An okay outing, but at least more solid at right back than Ebuehi.
Super Eagles Starting XI vs Saudi Arabia (4-4-2)
Uzoho – Bassey, Ebuehi (Osayi 65), Ajayi, Onyemaechi – Ndidi, Iwobi (Aribo 78), Lookman (Moses Simon 65), Chukwueze (Iheanacho 65) – Osimhen (Moffi 58), Victor Boniface (Sadiq Umar 78)
