Nigeria’s Super Eagles reached the final of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations after beating South Africa on penalty shootout.
Here is how Completesports.com rated the performance of the Super Eagles players.
Stanley Nwabali
Despite South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams tipped to give his side victory in the penalty shootout, it was Nwabali who emerged the hero for Nigeria as he saved two spot kicks.
Made some important saves when South Africa dominated in the first half- 9
William Troost-Ekong
Put the Eagles ahead from the spot kick and also converted his effort during the penalty shootout to put his side in a comfortable position.
Brought his wealth of experience as he marshaled the backline perfectly – 8
Semi Ajayi
Came to the rescue of the Eagles as he shielded a South African player out of the 18-yard box.
His overall performance against South Africa was spot on and -7
Calvin Bassey
As usual was solid at the back and tried to venture forward to assist in the attacking third- 7
Ola Aina
Blasted his spot kick over the bar which would have put the Eagles in a comfortable position.
Had a brilliant display despite playing from the left due to injury to Zaidu Sanusi -7
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Featured from the start and at right-back and put in a brilliant display.
Thought he has set up Osimhen to score the the second but was unlucky to see the goal disallowed – 7
Frank Onyeka
Put in another energetic performance in midfield and has continued to show why the coach’s decision to stick with him his justified – 7
Alex Iwobi
Wasn’t one of his best performances in the Eagles shirt and had to go off in the second half – 6
Ademola Lookman
Could have made it 2-0 but failed to beat the South African goalkeeper inside the box.
Struggled to impose himself into the game and had to be replaced -6
Moses Simon
The Nantes forward also had a tough game as things did not really work out for him before he went off- 6
Victor Osimhen
His drive inside the box led to the South African player fouling him inside the box.
Had the ball in the back of the net only to see his effort ruled out for offside.
Almost put the Eagles ahead again in extra time but saw his shot stopped – 8
Substitutes
Samuel Chukwueze
Made a return to the team and set up Terem Moffi who was brought down on the edge of the box.
Was guilty of needlessly giving the ball away to the opponent – 6
Joe Aribo
Yet to justify why the coach kept introducing him in games as he hardly offer anything thing – 5
Alhassan Yusuf
Gave away the penalty that saw the South Africans equalized.
Also, gifted the South Africans with another needless free kick in a dangerous position – 5
Terem Moffi
Came on for his debut AFCON appearance and was fouled as he was bearing down on goal.
Coolly took his penalty by sending the keeper the wrong way- 7
Kelechi Iheanacho
Also made his first appearance in the competition and almost scored from a free kick but saw his well taken attempt stopped.
Scored the decisive penalty kick which sent Nigeria into the final – 7
Kenneth Omeruo
Once again came on late but this time for the penalty kicks which he expertly converted – 6
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