By Gbemidepo Popoola
It was a masterclass from a defensive angle from the Super Eagles of Nigeria as they defeated AFCON 2023 hosts Cote d’Ivoire 1-0 on Thursday at Stade Alassane Ouattara.
The defense line was anchored by the Captain on the day, and goal scorer Wiliam Troost-Ekong stood tall, cutting out every form of attack by the Elephants who were all bark without bite.
The second-half penalty won by reigning Africa’s best player but, converted by captain William Troost-Ekong gave the Eagles all three points and a brighter chance of making it into the round of 16.
Here are the player ratings:
Name: Stanley Nwabali, 27; 2nd Cap
Minutes: 90; Rating: 7/10
Review
Nwabali exhibited confidence and expertise in handling all the threats presented by the Elephants.
His standout moments were a block from a Koame attempt in the first half, an unconventional save, saving Zaidu Sanusi from potential embarrassment.
Also making a punching clearance after the Eagles had scored in the second half. Coach Jose Peseiro’s choice of the Chippa United goalkeeper is proving to be a wise decision.
Name: Calvin Bassey, 24; 11th Cap
Minutes: 90; Rating: 8/10
Review
Initially fielded in the No 4 role, was seen in the left-back role for the majority of the game. It was a position in which he thrived excellently well.
Bassey was immovable and won almost all his one-on-one duels. Regardless of the player the Elephants deployed on their right flank, the Fulham defender stayed steady and was not fazed. Whether it was in the air or on the ground, Bassey was solid and he made a team-high six successful tackles.
Name: William Troost-Ekong, 30; 66th Cap
Minutes: 90; Rating: 8/10
Review
Troost-Ekong looks like a different player altogether, his positioning was top-notch, and his command of his defense and his team in the encounter was deft.
He also had the confidence to take on the penalty responsibility and scored the goal that gave the Eagles all three points.
Name: Semi Ajayi, 30; 25th Cap
Minutes: 90; Rating: 7/10
Review
Ajayi’s cool, and calm demeanor was a gift for the back line.
He steadily grew into the game and made some vital interceptions, especially in the last 10 minutes as the Eagles put up a rearguard to frustrate the Ivorians.
Name: Ola Aina, 30; 32nd Cap
Minutes: 90; Rating: 8.5/10
Review
Aina, Nigeria’s standout player on the field was excellent in both the attacking third and in his defensive responsibility.
The Nottingham Forest defender is starting to unveil his latent skills, excelling in both one-on-one defending and ball progression.
He effectively neutralized Jeremie Boga before Jonathan Bamba came into play. He made four tackle attempts and successfully won all four.
Name: Frank Onyeka, 26; 14th Cap
Minutes: 90; Rating: 8/10
Review
It was a solid performance from the Brentford player. Very perceptive and was full of running to block passing lanes and attempted passes which alhassan excelled in, in the opening game
He didn’t need to win tackles because his judgement was spot on in recognising where the danger was going to come from and snuffing it out at the source.
Name: Alex Iwobi, 27; 65th Cap
Minutes: 90; Rating: 6/10
Review
This was not Iwobi’s best showing for Nigeria, maybe because he was told to anchor the midfield from deep and stay in touch with Onyeka to create a seven-man defensive wall against the Elephants.
He tried initiating the offence from deep but was more dangerous when he got into the final third.
Name: Ademola Lookman, 26; 10th Cap
Minutes: 79; Rating: 6.5/10
Review
Lookman was up for the fight all match and impressed with his diligence in tracking back and creating one-on-one situations that gave the Eagles the opportunities to counter.
He however would have liked to get more passes into space to trouble Serge Aurier, who is not the quickest defender anymore, having gone past his prime.
Name: Samuel Chukwueze, 24; 29th Cap
Minutes: 79; Rating: 6/10
Review
Chukwueze shown he is extremely talented no doubt and tried his best, but his final pass in the final third left so much to be desired. On two occasions, he had the chance to play with a colleague, but he chose otherwise and overran the ball.
In the first half, he played well between the lines and almost provided an assist for Osimhen in the ninth minute. The AC Milan man needs to make better decisions to lift his game.
Name: Victor Osimhen, 24; 30th Cap
Minutes: 88; Rating: 7.5/10
Review
What Osimhen does not give in goals, he gives in endeavour and commitment.
The Napoli ace, through his persistent hustle, won the penalty, but now he has to look to start scoring goals to enhance his burgeoning reputation as a goalscorer.
SUBSTITUTES
Name: Moses Simon, 26; 60th Cap
Minutes: 18; Rating: 5/10
Review
Simon kept the team’s shape defensively, attacked when necessary but came in to support defensive, standing tall at doing that.
Name: Bright Osayi-Samuel, 26; 10th Cap
Minutes: 18; Rating: 5/10
Review
Osayi-Samuel almost produced a superb solo goal at the end of the second half, but if he had looked up, he would have picked a free Simon, who would have had a shot at goal.
Name: Kenneth Omeruo, 26; 61st Cap
Minutes: 10; Rating: 5/10
Review
Omeruo came on and solidified the defence, and he made some vital clearances.
Name: Paul Onuachu, 29; 21st Cap
Minutes: 8; Rating: NA
Review
Onuachu played his part in winding down the clock by holding up play well upfront when he got served the ball.
Manager: Jose Peseiro, 63; 19th match in charge of the Super Eagles
Rating: 7/10
Review
Peseiro designed a strategy to stifle the vaunted midfield of the Elephants, and he succeeded as his players carried out the plan to the letter.
Maybe he still needs to work on his substitutions, but he got almost everything right to ensure the Eagles caged the Elephants and finished with a clean sheet.
There could have been more, but this definitely is one of his best games as the coach of the side.
