Super Eagles of Nigeria were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Guinea Bissau on Match day 2 of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers Tuesday evening. The defeat puts the three-time African champions on the ropes as they seek to qualify for the tournament next year.
Izuchukwu Okosi in this report runs the rule on how the Nigerian players rated.
GOALKEEPER
Stanley Nwabali
The goalkeeper two made two good saves but was partly at fault for the first goal as he made no attempt to dive towards the ball when Franculino Dju found the bottom left corner. 3/10.
DEFENDERS
Bright Osayi-Samuel
The Birmingham City wingback had an average game on the road.
While he made some recoveries, his poor marking of Fernando Embadje ultimately led to the second goal. 3/10.
Bruno Onyemaechi
The Olympiakos left back had one of his poorest games in the colours of the Super Eagles.
His lack of efforts to close the spaces before the first goal said all three was to say about his game.
The only one meaningful impact he made in the game came towards the end of the game when he delivered a promising cross albeit Guinea-Bissau had already scored twice before adding the I e on the cherry afterwards. 2.5/10.
Calvin Bassey
The Fulham defender was the bright spark in the Eagles defence as he made a couple of blocks, interceptions and clearances. 6/10.
Semi Ajayi
The Hull City centerback was mandated to keep an eye on Fiorentina’s Beto.
But the former Everton man evaded some of the resistance of the Nigerian through his sheer physical strength albeit could not find the net to worsen the matter for Nigeria. 4/10.
MIDFIELDERS
Wilfred Ndidi
The Super Eagles captain was combative in midfield and his presence helped limit some of the threats of the Guineans before he was replaced. 5/10.
Frank Onyeka
Known affectionately as ‘The Tank’ for his physical presence and strong will, the Coventry City midfielder struggled to impress against Guinea-Bissau before he was subbed off.
In the first half though, he was momentarily treated after a tackle that required medical attention. 4/10.
Alex Iwobi
The Fulham star delighted the slew of Nigerian fans in the stands with some amazing passes.
Iwobi found teammates in the game but most of his threaded balls were wasted. 6/10.
FORWARDS
Ademola Lookman
The Atletico Madrid star was rather disappointing in this game as he was against Madagascar.
He fluffed some chances and was ponderous with his decision-making. 3/10.
Akor Adams
The Verona striker who is usually known for his great footwork and burst of energy was very poor in the game as he was ineffective against Madagascar.
Failed to threaten the opposition before he was withdrawn. 3/10.
Taiwo Awoniyi
Coventry City’s Awoniyi who was drafted in the team in the absence of injured Victor Osimhen was profligate in front of goal on Tuesday.
He missed a gilt-edged chance before he was subbed off. 4/10.
