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Nigeria’s senior national team started their AFCON 2025 qualifiers on the right foot with a 3-0 win over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
We rate the players who paraded for Nigeria in the victory that will be revenge for the 2-1 loss they suffered at the hands of the same team three months ago in the World Cup qualifiers.
Stanley Nwabali – Didn’t have much to do, but when called upon he stood firm 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 – Continued his African Cup of Nations form with an above-average performance, combining his defensive duties with attacking forays and also produced two telling crosses that went unused… 7/10
Bruno Onyemaechi: He slotted in easily as a left back and showed a performance that not many expected. He was very comfortable with the ball and used it to good effect… 7/10
Semi Ajayi – Moved the ball quickly and distributed it well, one of which led to the game-opening goal scored by Lookman….. 7/10
Calvin Bassey – Not as comfortable as he was at the African Cup of Nations in a back three. Almost gave away a penalty after misjudging a ball in the air. Substituted in the second half because he became the target… 6/10
William Troost-Ekong – The AFCON MVP had a good start but somehow seemed to lose his rhythm a bit, although he didn’t lose any aerial or ground duels… 7/10
Wilfred Ndidi – Redeemed himself by assisting Victor Osimhen’s third goal. He had a disappointing performance and asked to be substituted… 7/10
Alex Iwobi: Another player who was substituted after putting in his best effort for the team. Lookman denied him an assist after failing to make the most of a well-judged overhead pass. It wasn’t one of his best games, but he did a lot for the team… 7/10
Samuel Chukwueze: A mix of pleasure and pain as his decision making in key areas let him down. His performance did improve though, but could have been better… 6.5/10
Ademola Lookman – Easily the star of the team at the moment. Scored his first goal with a confident finish from a man-to-man finish. A curling header for his second goal sealed the match just days after being nominated for the Ballon d’Or… 8/10
Victor Boniface: He kept the ball up and was unlucky not to score. He worked very hard to keep the visiting defence busy throughout the match… 7/10
Substitutes:
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – Started the play that led to the second goal. Always looking to play forward, which was key to the two goals he scored when he came on the field… 6.5/10
Olisa Ndah – She seemed nervous and took a while to get going, which almost cost her dearly… 5/10
Victor Osimhen – Scored a goal that will no doubt calm some nerves after a very problematic week regarding his transfer from Napoli. He could have scored two goals, but clearly lacks match fitness… 7/10
Moses Simon – Breathed life into the team with his directness and pace. His well-placed pass to Lookman sealed the match and he should start in Rwanda in three days’ time… 7/10
