The Super Eagles recorded their second consecutive win in the Group D of the ongoing AFCON 2021 – a convincing 3-1 defeat of Sudan at the Roumde Adjia Stadium, Garoua on Saturday, January 15 2021.
Here is performance rates of each player that Austine Eguavoen put in the thick of action, on the scale of 1 to 10.
Maduka Okoye (6): Maduka Okoye was unlucky to concede his first goal of the tournament from the penalty spot. Aside that, he was on holiday in most part of the game.
Ola Aina (6): Gave away a soft penalty, but was impressive for the Eagles with his marauding runs down the right flank. Was involved in the Eagles’ first goal following his long throw which led to Samuel Chukwueze scoring.
William Troost-Ekong (7): Contributed to the Eagles’ second goal, as it was his header from a free-kick that came off a Sudanese defender which then hit Awoniyi. Almost made it 2-0 after connecting with a swung in free-kick, but the Sudanese keeper made a point-blank save.
Kenneth Omeruo (6): Put in a decent performance as the Sudanese attack was kept at bay in most part of the match. Made a brilliant tackle inside the Eagles’ box to clear the ball in a one-on-one situation and also headed a goal bound shot away for a corner.
Joe Aribo (7): Was unlucky not to get on the score sheet in the first half after failing to finish off a cutback from Awoniyi. After an impressive showing, he was replaced by Kelechi Nwakali in the 65th minute.
Wilfred Ndidi (7): Showed maturity in midfield and was one of the reasons why the defensive third of the Eagles did not have much to do.
Samuel Chukwueze (7): Gave the Eagles the perfect start after just three minutes, calmly slotting past the keeper inside the box. Was then replaced by Alex Iwobi before the start of the second half.
Moses Simon (9): Provided the assist for the opening goal and then marked his superb display by scoring the third goal for the Eagles. Was very lively with influential showing throughout the match. Was deservedly named Man of the Match to become the second Nigerian player to claim the award.
Taiwo Awoniyi (8): Opened his goals account for the Eagles with a lucky header to make it 2-0 late in the second half. Set up Aribo with a brilliant cutback which the Rangers midfielder failed to convert.
Kelechi Iheanacho (6): Unlike in the game against Egypt, this was not one of his best performances for the Eagles as he was largely anonymous. Was hooked off on 65 minutes with Ahmed Musa taking his place.
SUBSTITUTES
Alex Iwobi (6): Replaced Chukwueze but was quiet in the early part of the second half, but became lively as the game went on.
Sent Awoniyi through on goal with a clever through pass with the striker failing to hit the target.
Kelechi Nwakali (6): Had a better outing this time compared to the game against Egypt, as he was more composed on the ball, spraying quick passes.
Ahmed Musa (6): Came on in the second half and was decent as he tried to inject more pace in the attack.
Umar Sadiq (5): Once again failed to justify his introduction into the game as he struggled to make any meaningful impact.
