The Super Eagles earned a hard-fought 2–1 win over Tanzania, with Ademola Lookman’s goal in the 52nd minute proving to be the difference between the two sides.
In this feature, Footy-africa exclusively teamed up with former Super Eagles winger Kelechi Okoye to rate the top three Nigerian performers in the game and the three players with the lowest ratings.
Top ratings
Alex Iwobi (8.0)
The midfielder played one of his best games in a Nigeria shirt, controlling the midfield, dictating play and linking up with the attack effectively.
Alex Iwobi was involved in both of Nigeria’s goals, teeing up Semi Ajayi to score and also playing a key role in Lookman’s winner.
Iwobi also contributed defensively whenever Nigeria were under pressure, helping the defence to tidy up loose balls.
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Moses Simon (7.0)
Moses Simon came on as a substitute and sparked the Nigerian attack in an otherwise dour second half for the Eagles.
His darting runs down the flanks created chances for Victor Osimhen and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, even though they could not make the most of them.
Simon’s pace and trickery were constant problems for the Tanzanians, who found him difficult to deal with.
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Semi Ajayi – (8.0)
Voted Man of the Match for his impressive display, the Hull City defender brought his wealth of experience to bear for the Eagles.
Semi Ajayi was also a threat at the other end with a well-taken header that gave Nigeria the lead in the first half.
Ajayi, the oldest Nigerian on the pitch, was a menace at set pieces and could have added another goal had he kept his early header down.
Lowest ratings
Samuel Chukwueze – (5.0)
The Fulham man came into the tournament in good form and started the game for Nigeria.
After an initial spark, Samuel Chukwueze failed to deliver as his crosses were either wayward or poorly executed.
He also had a few chances to score, especially in the first half, but his finishing let him down before he was hauled off in the second half.
Zaidu Sanusi (4.5)
The left-back had a game to forget against the Tanzanians, as he was caught napping on several occasions.
Zaidu Sanusi‘s inability to track his man contributed to the goal Nigeria conceded.
The FC Porto defender also struggled with his crossing despite having several opportunities when Nigeria were in positive positions.
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Bright Osayi-Samuel (4.5)
Another defender who endured a difficult outing against the Taifa Stars, with his flank exposed by the Tanzanians.
Bright Osayi-Samuel also gave the ball away carelessly in defensive areas, causing unnecessary panic in the Nigerian defence.
It was certainly not a good day at the office for the Birmingham City defender, who is capable of doing much better.
