The senior national team of Nigeria booked their spot at next year’s Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-2 win over Sierra Leone in Monrovia yesterday.
Sierra Leone twice came from behind cancelling Victor Osimhen’s brace but just when they thought they are running away with all three points Kelechi Iheanacho scored what ended as the winner for Nigeria.
OwnGoalNigeria.com rates the players who represented Nigeria in the game.
Adebayo Adeleye – Made three good saves that kept Nigeria alive with scores at 2-2. Came off the line smartly and commanded his area really well. Not at fault for any of the two goals conceded. A great way to start his international career….. 8/10
Bright Osayi-Samuel – For the first time since his debut, the Fenerbahce man was made to look ordinary with the physical approach of Sierra Leone limiting him. Got snubbed off for Akpoguma. Not quite at the level he performed in the three games he has played for the team prior to yesterday….. 6/10
Zaidu Sanusi – Did all of the job for third goal by laying the ball on a plate for Iheanacho to tap into an empty net. Enjoyed the physical nature of the game and looked so comfortable linking up with Moses Simon on the left….. 7.5/10
Semi Ajayi – Another player who showed how well he is ready for the physical approach of most African teams . Bullied all that came his way. Won duels with ease with his partnership with Omeruo looking like what could be the long term option in central defence….. 7/10
Kenneth Omeruo – Beaten for pace way too easily for the first goal scored by Sierra Leone. Struggled like the rest of the team in the second half. A solid but not spectacular showing….. 6/10
Joe Aribo – Started really well but went missing in the second half. His lack of game time at Southampton appears to be catching up with him as he wasn’t at the pace and level of the others.
Alex Iwobi – Kept the team moving with short passes as the state of the pitch wasn’t suitable to go long. Ran his socks off for the team and displayed absolute understanding of his position just in front of Ndidi….. 7/10
Wilfred Ndidi – Not quite at the level he was once but he is very much at home with games like this. Won tackles with ease and defended well. Ran out of steam in the second half like the rest of the team….. 6/10
Moses Simon – Could have had a goal and two assists in the first half. Worked really hard for the team in defense and took the game to the host especially in the first half and early stages of the second half….. 8/10
Samuel Chukwueze – Wasted two good opportunities to kill the game off in the first half. Redeemed himself with a well weighted pass for the second goal scored by Osimhen. Another who also suffered from burn out especially in the second half….. 6/10
Victor Osimhen – Took his first goal really well . The second as well and was a menace all through the period he was on. His determination can not be faulted. Not just for his goals but for his all round play. What a performance….. 9/10.
Substitutes:
Kevin Akpoguma – Went missing upon his introduction with the pace of the game too much for him. Might not get another chance….. 5/10
Frank Onyeka -His introduction helped Nigeria to regain control of the game. Willing to get stuck in and was full of energy at both side of the pitch….. 6/10
Kelechi Iheanacho – Got his goal by not straying offside. That was his only major contribution but it was decisive. 7/10
Taiwo Awoniyi -Up for a fight but didn’t do enough to earn a rating.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
