AFCON 2021: Check out the Super Eagles player ratings as Nigeria defeats Sudan 3-1
The Super Eagles of Nigeria put on a fantastic display, winning 3-1 against the Sudanese Falcons.
The Sudanese advances were countered by goals from Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Taiwo Awoniyi.
Although the clean sheet of the Nigerian goalkeeper was marred by Ola Aina’s error, the Super Eagles were unaffected because the three goals lead ensured their progression to the knockout stages.
We provide you with an expert assessment of Super Eagles players from today’s match by leading sports analysts.
According to the analysts, these are the ratings for each player for today’s match:
- Kelechi Iheanacho, 6.5/10: Unlike the game against Egypt, the Leicester City midfielder did not shine. He didn’t score on his chances, but he transitioned well from attack to defense.
- Taiwo Awoniyi, 7/10: Awoniyi had a good game, scoring a goal and adding an assist. Although, his goal was a deflected save that he didn’t see coming, and his assist for Moses’ goal was also an unintentional one, due to poor control.
- Moses Simon, 9/10: The Nantes forward is putting himself in a position to win the tournament’s best player award. In this match, his crosses were on point, and it was his cross that led to the first goals once again. With his speed and dribbling ability, the 26-year-old caused havoc. He started the third-goal play and finished it off with a fantastic finish.
- Maduka Okoye, 6.0/10: Maduka had a relatively quiet performance. Because of the outfielders’ talent, he was barely bothered. His clean sheet, on the other hand, was tainted by Aina’s blunder.
- Captain Troost-Ekong had a successful day marshalling his team, earning a 6.5/10. When faced with threatening attacks, he was outstanding in defense and always remained calm. He used his strength to his advantage against the Sudanese, giving them a hard time.
- Zaidu Sanusi, 6.5/10: With Moses Simon on the left-wing, Zaidu had a good day. The Porto defender put up a strong defensive performance, as well as an amazing tackle in the second half.
- Joe Aribo (7.5/10): Aribo continued his Rangers success with the national squad. Against Egypt, he was terrific, and against Sudan, he was astounding. The 26-year-old was effective in midfield and made a smooth transition to attack.
- Wilfred Ndidi, 7.5/10: Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has once again proven his worth. Ndidi performed admirably throughout the game. Despite losing control of the midfield after Nigeria scored the opening goal, he was able to reassemble it. His ball retention was excellent, and he worked well with Aribo.
- Samuel Chukwueze (7.5/10), fared better than he did against Egypt. His goal in the third minute was an exquisite finish.
- Kenneth Omeruo, 6.5/10: The Leganes defender played well. He had a good pairing with Troost-Ekong once again. He was never dribbled past, and if danger approached, he snuffed it out.
- Ola Aina, 6.5/10: The former Chelsea right-back put up yet another fantastic effort. He was a rock-solid defender who swatted away every attack that came his way, and he had a great attacking game as well.
Nigeria brought in substitutes, Kelechi Nwakali, Ahmed Musa, Sadiq Umar, and Alex Iwobi in the second half of the match. However, the performance of the substitutes will not be rated in this report.
