The senior national team of Nigeria returned to winning ways coming from behind to beat Sierra Leone 2-1 in their first 2023 AFCON qualifiers game played at the Moshood Abiola Stadium.
OwnGoalNigeria.com senior editor, Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman rates the players on parade for Nigeria.
Francis Uzoho – Couldn’t do anything about the goal he conceded. He however was lucky not to have conceded twice. Didn’t quite inspire confidence as it seems he still has the hangover of the howler against Ghana. An improved showing however…..6/10
Ola Aina – Started the game very well and looked very composed and assured on the ball. He however ran out of stem very early into the second half and was substituted due to fatigue…..6/10
Calvin Bassey – Solid performance from the Rangers defender. Did his job very well in defence and also delivered some telling balls when he joined the attack. Slowly becoming one of the key men of the team…..7.5/10
William Troost Ekong- Came out top in several one on duels but not assured in his movements and also distribution. Can be balmed for the goal scored by the visitors. He still leads the team with his positive energy. They will be hoping that the injury which led to his substitution isn’t severe enough to rule him out of the game against Sao Tome and Principe…..6.5/10
Semi Ajayi – Distributed the ball nicely from the back and looked very much at home in aerial duels. Found it really hard to get going due to the poor pitch. Should have done better though with a situation in the second half which almost led to a goal for the visitors…..6/10
Joe Aribo- Not one of his best days even though he tried to make things happen at both ends of the pitch. Covered lot of ground and won possession back. Didn’t however carry a threat in attack……6.5/10
Alex Iwobi- Came alive following the introduction of Oghenekaro Etebo. Took his goal with the calmness of a top player and did really well in helping the transition from defence to attack……7/10
Samuel Chukwueze – He had a game to forget. Missed a sitter which looks easier to score than miss. Wasteful with his decision making in crucial period and didn’t look like a player who is high on confidence……5/10
Moses Simon- Man of the match display from the Nantes wide man. Bagged two assists and looked lively all through. Appears to have found some level of understanding with Bassey at left back……8/10
Sadiq Umar- Unlucky to be subbed off. Was a threat with his body frame. Set up goal scoring chances for Osimhen twice. Unlucky to be yanked off at half time due to tactical reasons……6/10
Victor Osimhen – Fought for every ball that came into the box. Put his body where it hurts and took his goal really well. Could have gotten a couple of goals today as well. Didn’t have a very good second half by his standard……7/10
Substitutes:
Oghenekaro Etebo- He brought control to the midfield before his intensity and level dropped in the final ten minutes of the game. Looked short of fitness prolly due to lack of game time in the just concluded season……6/10
