The senior national team of Nigeria got their campaign underway in the Africa Cup of Nations 2021 Qualifiers with a 2-1 win over Benin Republic.
Benin Republic took a shock early into the game but Victor Osimhen ensured that both teams go into the half time break level when he struck from the spot to draw Nigeria level following a foul on Ola Aina in the box.
Samuel Kalu wrapped up the win for Nigeria with a goal in the second half to send the Nigerian team top of their group with the other group game between Lesotho and Sierra Leone ending in a 1-1 draw.
Owngoalnigeria.com rates the players on parade for Nigeria.
Daniel Akpeyi – Not at fault for the goal conceded by Nigeria but he didn’t face any significant test that will warrant him to prove his new found form at South Africa PSL side Kaizer Chiefs……6 / 10
Ola Aina – Solid performance from the Torino man. He was very assured in defending and when linked up well when he joins the attack. Did well to win the penalty from which Nigeria scored the equaliser. Substituted primarily with Rohr seeking more cover in defence……7. 5 / 10
Jamilu Collins – Guilty of ball watching for the first goal scored by Benin Republic. Same lack of concentration from the Paderborn defender almost gifted the visitors an equaliser. Didn’t play at his level……5/10
Semi Ajayi – Carried the ball out of the defence with ease and looked very decisive in making tackles. Won all the aerial duels he went for and generally was up for it when it comes to the physical demands of African football……7 / 10
William Troost-Ekong – His partnership with Ajayi is growing game by game. However his ball distribution from the game still need work. Used his pace to good effect when Benin Republic tried to play on the counter. He has grown into one of the leaders in the team…….7/10
Wilfred Ndidi – Took the game by the scruff of the neck when Nigeria went behind. Got involved more in the opponent’s half and the manner which he won back possession made it easy for the likes of Iwobi to make the transition from defence to attack……7. 5 / 10
Joe Aribo – Struggled with the weather and the physical demand of the game. He wasn’t quite at the same level he was in his first two games for the Super Eagles but he still shows class whenever he is on the ball…….6/10
Alex Iwobi – Make runs that pushed the team forward in search of a breakthrough. He didn’t look out of place against the physically imposing players he was up against as he was always willing to make himself available for a pass…….7 / 10
Samuel Chukwueze – Went past his markers with ease and always put them on the back foot whenever he is in possession. He was however guilty of not making the final touch when in key areas and rushed his passes most times which makes it easy to be intercepted…….6.5/10
Samuel Kalu – A man of the match display (MOTM) from the Bordeaux forward who scored what ended as the winner for Nigeria. He also came twice to scoring thrice and looked a threat whenever he is in possession. A very lively performance…….8/10
Victor Osimhen – Showed the calmness of a goalscorer to slot home the penalty that drew Nigeria level. Ran the channels brilliantly and gave the backline of the visitors a lot to worry about……..7/10
Substitutes:
Chidozie Awaziem – Slotted in effortlessly at right back after replacing Aina. He brought stability to the back line and matched all he was up against much to the admiration of coach Gernot Rohr…….6/10
Moses Simon – Made one vital clearance from a goal bound corner kick. Linked up well with the trio of Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Jamilu Collins. A very confident display from the Nantes player of the month…….6.5/10
Ahmed Musa – Didn’t get involved enough to warrant a rating.
