AFCON 2023: Player ratings from Super Eagles 2-1 win over Ghana

Cyriel Dessers scored his second-ever goal for Nigeria from the spot in Marakesh, Morocco as the Super Eagles won in what was a seemingly dominant affair.

Finidi George’s first win with the Super Eagles was sealed in the 83rd minute when Ademola Lookman scored from a brilliant pass by Alex Iwobi. Jordan Ayew scored from the spot during the additional minutes of the second half but it was too late for Ghana to stage a come-back.

Soccernet.ng rates the performance of the Nigerian players as they secured the bragging rights in the ECOWAS jollof derby.

1. Christian Nwabali 7/10: The Chippa United goalkeeper put up yet another solid performance in a Super Eagles jersey. This time, his ability to play out from the back stood out as he played out long accurate passes from his own box. He saved a late free-kick, but was sent the wrong way by Jordan Ayew’s penalty kick.

2. Bright Osayi-Samuel 6.5/10: The Fernabache full-back had a decent game, but soiled his performance by conceding a penalty kick in the closing minutes of the game.

3. Benjamin Tanimu 7/10: The former Bendel Insurance defender had a brilliant debut performance. His positioning at the right-centre back position allowed Osayi-Samuel the freedom to roam forward, and allowed the midfielders more freedom in the centre of the park. He was replaced by Ademola Lookman in the 78th minute.

4. Semi Ajayi 6.4 /10: The West Bromwich Albion defender put in a decent shift, although he looked shaky a few times. His aerial presence was evident as he helped the Super Eagles defenders to clear the ball away from danger in the air.

5. Chidozie Awaziem 6.5 /10: The Boavista defender was played in the centre of the defence by Coach Finidi George, and put in a confident shift. His passes from the centre of the defence aided the build up and he barely put a foot wrong.

6. Bruno Onyemaechi 6.3/10: The Boavista full-back was solid defensively, but his attacking output was poor. If he had been more accurate with his crossing, Nigeria could have scored more goals.

7. Frank Onyeka 6.5/10: The Brentford man didn’t have the efficacy he showed at the AFCON 2023 tournament this evening, but was decent in a pivot with Wilfred Ndidi.

8. Alex Iwobi 7.1/10: Playing in the number ten role, the Fulham man showed glimpses of what he’s capable of when he is granted attacking freedom. He set up the second goal for Ademola Lookman.

9. Wilfred Ndidi 6.8/10: The Leicester City midfielder showed what the Super Eagles of Nigeria missed at the AFCON 2023 tournament. His presence brought stability in the middle of the park, and his link-up with the attacking players allowed the Super Eagles create an overload of players in attack. He was replaced by Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika in the 71st minute.

10. Cyriel Dessers 7.2/10: The Rangers man scored his second-ever goal for the Super Eagles from a well-taken spot-kick. His partnership with Iheanacho looked promising and could be something to build on going forward for Finidi George. He was replaced by Moses Simon in the 71st minute.

11. Kelechi Iheanacho 7/10: The Leicester man dropped deep so Dessers could enjoy his football up top. His ability to hold-up play allowed Nigeria score the second goal.

Substitutes

Moses Simon 5.5/10: The Nantes midfielder’s introduction into the game meant a change of tactical setup for the Super Eagles, but he didn’t make any notable contribution in the game.

Raphael Onyedika 6/10: The Club Brugge midfielder played a huge role in the second goal. His long ball from the back led to the second goal of the game.

Ademola Lookman 6.5/10: The Atalanta man scored just five minutes after he came on. His finish showed class and the strenght-in-depth of the Nigerian attack.