Following the 1-0 lost to African Cup of Nations defending Champions Algeria, Nigerians have been complaining about the kind of players that were used in the game. The coach, however, made it clear that it was just the start the players could have done better.
Nigeria only had three corner-kicks out of the eleven corner-kicks in the full 90 minutes of the game. Algeria showed they came to win while it was clear that the Super Eagles of Nigeria only came to test-run the new players in their camp.
Below is the player rating for all the Super Eagles of Nigeria
Maduka OKOYE 8/10
Made four excellent saves in the game. Proved he is ready for the big stage and prevented the Super Eagles from suffering a humiliating defeat.
Tyronne EBUEHI 6/10
A solid performance from the right-back. Had a torrid time coping with the pace and trickery of Said Benrahma, but did a good job of stopping the Algerian.
Leon BALOGUN 7/10
He was up to the challenge of the Algerians. Mase occasional forays for the Super Eagles upfront and performed his task dutifully.
William TROOST-EKONG 6/10
Looked a bit rusty in the first half, but picked up after the break. Made a last-ditch clearance to prevent the Algerians from scoring another goal in the second half.
Zaidu SANUSI 7/10
A superb debut from the FC Porto left-back. Sanusi kept Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez at bay and made incursions upfront.
Semi AJAYI 5/10
Failed to make much impact in the first half but improved a bit after the break. Difficult to see him thrive in the defensive midfield position for the Super Eagles.
Frank ONYEKA 5/10
A tough debut for the FC Midtjylland of Denmark midfielder. He was duly replaced at half-time by Mikel Agu.
Alex IWOBI 7/10
Alex Iwobi was one of Nigeria’s best performers in the game, he was at the heart of the midfielder but it was like the players have not really understood him as some 0ne-two passing he attempted failed. He pulled the strings in midfield for the Super Eagles and was unlucky not to get a goal in the first half.
Samuel CHUKWUEZE 5/10
Chukwueze started the game brightly but fizzled out afterwards, he was playing to self too much and he was holding the ball longer than expected he was substituted in the second half.
Samuel KALU 5/10
Made a little impact in the game and was replaced by Moses Simon early in the second half after sustaining an injury.
Paul ONUACHU 4/10
Struggled to get going in the game. Failed to replicate his club form on the international scene for the Super Eagles again.
SUBSTITUTES
Mikel AGU 5/10
His introduction helped solidify the Super Eagles’ midfield. Made a good impression on his return to the team.
Moses SIMON 4/10
Did little to affect the game positively following his introduction for Samuel Kalu early in the second half.
Kelechi IHEANACHO 4/10
Looked sharp and hungry after taking the place of Paul Onuachu but couldn’t do much to help the Super Eagles avoid defeat.
Kevin AKPOGUMA 4/10
The debutant took the place of Tyronne Ebuehi. He made a vital interception late in the game and was also good going forward.
Ahmed MUSA 4/10
Spent 14 minutes on the pitch and failed to help change things in favour of the Super Eagles.
Samson TIJANI
Played only a cameo role, hence not rated. Took the place of Alex Iwobi in stoppage time.
