The senior national team of Nigeria got their 2025 AFCON qualifiers off to a flying start with a 3-0 win over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
We rate the players on parade for Nigeria in the win which will go down as a revenge on the 1-2 defeat they suffered in the hands of the same team three months ago in the world cup qualifiers.
Stanley Nwabali – Didn’t have much to do but when he was called up he stood strong with a powerful punch from a deadly free kick in the first half and a smart save in the second half….. 7/10
Ola Aina – Picked up from where he left off at the AFCON with a above average performance by combining his defensive duties with forays upfront and also delivered two telling crosses that weren’t utilized….. 7/10
Bruno Onyemaechi – Slotted in with ease at left back and put up a showing that not many expected. Extremely comfortable on the ball and used it to good effect….. 7/10
Semi Ajayi – Moved the ball quickly and spread it nicely, one of which led to the opening goal of the game scored by Lookman….. 7/10
Calvin Bassey – Not quite comfortable like he was at the AFCON in a back three. Almost gave away a penalty after his misjudgment of a ball in flight. Got substituted in the second half as he became the target….. 6/10
William Troost-Ekong – The MVP of the AFCON hit the ground running but somehow looked off the pace a bit, although didn’t lose any aerial or ground duel….. 7/10
Wilfred Ndidi – Redeemed himself with the assist for the third goal scorer by Victor Osimhen. He had an underwhelming performance and asked to be subbed off….. 7/10
Alex Iwobi – Another who got subbed off after working his socks off for the team. Denied an assist by Lookman after failing to make the best use of a well weighted over the top pass. Not one of his best games but did a lot for the team….. 7/10
Samuel Chukwueze – A mixed bag of pleasure and pain as his decision making in key areas let him down. An improved performance though but it could have been better….. 6.5/10
Ademola Lookman – Simply the star of the team at the moment. Took his first goal with the finish of a man in confident. A looping header for his second to kill the game just a few days after he was nominated for the Balon d’or….. 8/10
Victor Boniface – Held the ball up nicely and was unfortunate not to score. Worked really hard keeping the defence of the visitors busy all through….. 7/10
Substitutes:
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – Started the move that led to the second goal. Always looking to play forward which was key to the two goals scored when he was introduced….. 6.5/10
Olisa Ndah – Looked jittery and took a while to get going which almost proved costly….. 5/10
Victor Osimhen – Scored a goal that will no doubt put some nerves to rest after a very troubled week regarding his transfer from Napoli. Could have scored a brace but clearly lacking match fitness….. 7/10
Moses Simon – Brought life to the team with his directness and pace. His well weighted ball to Lookman killed the game and should get a start away to Rwanda in three days time….. 7/10
