Super Eagles player ratings : Aina catches the eye; Balogun solid; Onuachu match-winner; Onyekuru sparkles first half; Osimhen constant threat:: All Nigeria Soccer

The slim win over Benin Republic ensures that the Super Eagles will be top of the Group L table in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after it is concluded next week.

Gernot Rohr’s team secured all three points thanks to Paul Onuachu’s headed goal in the third minute of stoppage time.

Izuchukwu Okosi rates the performance of the players on Saturday.

The Starters

Goalkeeper

Maduka Okoye : The Sparta Rotterdam keeper was not troubled in the first half but had some nervous moments in the second half of the game. 6/10.

Defenders

Ola Aina : The Fulham right back grew better in the game as it progressed. The highlight of his first half was a cross field pass to Henry Onyekuru which almost led to a goal scoring chance. 7.5/10

Zaidu Sanusi : The Porto left back was one of the bright spots in the Super Eagles side with lost of his crosses almost leading to something productive. He did give away some and his defending was assured. 7/10.

Leon Balogun : The center back was put under immense pressure in the first half but he improved in the second half. Held the ball well and put in the body when required. 8/10.

William Troost-Ekong : The captain of the day was good at the back and was also upfront a few times in search of a goal albeit the Eagles had numerous chances from corner kicks but none were utilized. 7/10.

Midfielders and Attackers

Wilfred Ndidi : He broke up plays a few times but he did give away the ball a few times as well. 6/10.

Joe Aribo : His ball retention was good while he was able to find the forward players but his efforts to fall back and help the defence was not so spectacular as his defensive shift was not the best. 6/10.

Kelechi Iheanacho : The Leicester striker rattled the palms of the Benin keeper in the 8th minute with a powerful shot but he was anonymous after that brilliant effort for lost of the game. Subbed off  in the second half of the game. 6/10.

Henry Onyekuru : He was the brightest player for the Nigerian side especially in the first half as his link up play was impressive. He was also denied from a diving header as well. 7/10.

Samuel Chukwueze : Operating from the right wing where he cuts infield on his left foot, Chukwueze had a good game but definitely not his best in the Eagles jersey. He had a 27th minute corner kick which was almost mishandled by the Benin keeper Allagbe. 7/10.

Victor Osimhen : The Napoli man was a constant threat to the hosts. Almost had his close effort becoming the winner which was cleared. However Onuachu scored with a header from the rebound. 7/10.

The Substitutes

Paul Onuachu : A great impact coming off the bench to score the needed goal from close range with a header. 8/10.

Anayo Iwuala : The Enyimba wide man was brought on in place of Henry Onyekuru and he showed some flashes of brilliance but his desire to impress the coaches saw him wasting some chances that his teammates could have converted. 6/10.

Chidozie Awaziem  : Brought in place of Ola Aina to shore up the back line. Didn’t do much though. 5/10.

 

Izuchhukwu Okosi