The Super Eagles of Nigeria maintained their perfect start to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a 4-2 win over Lesotho in Maseru to make it two wins out of two games played so far.
Owngoalnigeria.com rates the players who made it possible for Nigeria to secure the win that keeps them top of their group ahead of Benin Republic, Sierra Leone and Lesotho.
Ratings:
Daniel Akpeyi – Wasn’t at fault for both goals scored by Lesotho. Commanded his area really well even though he didn’t have much to do for most part of the game…..6/10
Chidozie Awaziem – Unfortunate to have scored an own goal. Played really well in the first half when Nigeria went behind. He could have however blocked the cross that led to the opening goal of the game scored by Lesotho…….7/10
Ola Aina – Justified the decision to start him with a solid performance which he capped with the assist for the third goal scored by Victor Osimhen. Worked well in tandem with Moses Simon on the left…..7/10
Semi Ajayi – Not at his best as he struggled with the poor nature of the pitch and also the weather. His poor jump handed Lesotho the first goal. Recovered brilliantly in the second half but even at that he wasn’t as convincing as he was in previous games……6 / 10
Wilfred Ndidi – Ran the midfield effortlessly. Breaking up plays and initiating attacks with ease. He is by far the leader on the pitch for Nigeria with his ball winning ability and interceptions sniffing out potential threats……7 / 10
Joe Aribo – Just like it was in the game against Benin Republic, the Rangers of Scotland midfielder didn’t match the height he attained against Ukraine and Brazil respectively in friendly games. He was decent on the ball but lost it more than any other player for Nigeria. He struggled to cope with the physical aspect of the game and the altitude……5/10
Alex Iwobi – Started the game slowly but grew into it as the game progressed. Took his goal that drew Nigeria level really well and from then on bossed the game with close ball control and quick passes. Surely one of his best games for Nigeria…….8/10
Moses Simon – Put in a very commendable shift on the left before switching to the right. Not scared of going into duels and the fact that he constantly helps out in defence help the team to keep their shape even when under pressure……7. 5 / 10
Samuel Chukwueze – Didn’t have the best of game but showed his predatory instinct with the way he scored the goal that put Nigeria 2-1 up. Bar scoring the goal he didn’t show the quick feet that has endeared him to the fans of Super Eagles and also that of Villarreal…….6/10
Victor Osimhen – By far the man of the match for Nigeria with two goals and two assists. Turning out to be a complete striker as he can score and also set others up. With his back to goal he is simply unplayable. Might go on to become Nigeria’s all time top scorer…….9/10
Substitutes:
Ahmed Musa – Wasted a good chance to add his name to the scorers list. A shadow of the player who once terrorised defenders with his pace and finishing abilities……4/10
Ramon Azeez – Plugged the gap Aribo failed to cover when he was introduced. Set up Osimhen for his second goal with a well weighted pass. He is no doubt a very good option to have in the team…..6/10
Samuel Kalu – Didn’t get involved enough to warrant a rating.
Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone.
