Nigeria 2-1 Madagascar; Player Ratings; New boys seal victory for Super Eagles

The Nigerian Super Eagles began their AFCON qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Goals from debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor helped them turn the score around in the 16th minute and claim a first victory, ahead of Tuesday’s match against Guinea-Bissau.

We rate the players of the Nigerian national team.

Stanley Nwabali – Made a great save with scores of 1-1, but was pretty much calm the entire game…….8/10

Ola Aina – Was not at his best, particularly in the second half, and did not offer much of a threat even when Nigeria had the ball in the opposition’s half for most of the game……6/10

Bruno Onyemaechi – Should have done better when he was in promising positions to deliver a cross, other than that he was very hardworking and performed his defensive duties very well… 7/10

Semi Ajayi: Not his usual authoritarian and domineering character. His position was largely responsible for the opportunity that almost gave Madagascar the second goal. I had to rely on Calvin Bassey to rescue him on three separate occasions… 6/10

Calvin Bassey – Didn’t overlook anything and took on the leadership role on defense. The whole style of play made it impossible for any of the opponents to get anything out of him. A virtuoso performance from the Fulham man……8/10

Wilfred Ndidi – He ran out of steam in the second half but he didn’t stop running, and when the team went 2-1 up, he helped keep the ball very well……7/10

Alex Iwobi – A defensive problem and his inability to follow his man led to the corner from which Madagascar scored. Although in attack he was the most creative and got the assist for the leveler… 7/10

Akor Adams – It is difficult to criticize his performance when he was without the ball for a long time and then moved to the wings. Wasted a very good opportunity to shoot on goal in the game…….5/10

George Ilenikhena – Made sure the team didn’t miss star forward Victor Osimhen as much. Very good with his runs back, which led to his first goal. It was pretty difficult throughout the entire game… 9/10

Ademola Lookman – Guilty of trying to force the game and also did not take responsibility for finding the goal when he was in promising positions. You will want to forget this game quickly…….6/10

Samuel Chukwueze – Lively, deadly but ineffective. His last ball or decision let him down on so many attacking plays and twice he looked for a pass when the shot option could have been better…….6/10

Substitutes:

Moses Simon – He brought life and spark to the team after his presentation with two provocative crosses. He then celebrated his 100 international caps with a victory…….7/10

Taiwo Awoniyi – He got involved from the beginning and really brought the team to life. Tracking and connection of the game very well. It was pretty impressive…….7/10

Tolu Arokodare – He gave dimension to the team’s attack with his physical presence and strength in duels. I had an effort that came off the bar… 6/10

Moses Usor – Had an unforgettable debut with his first goal for Nigeria after a strong solo run. A forward with a very positive mentality who aims to confront his man every time he has the ball… 8/10

Bright Osayi-Samuel – Didn’t get involved enough to merit a rating.