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How did the Super Eagles players fare in their Unity Cup battle against Ghana's Black Stars?
Nigeria’s Super Eagles claimed a place in the final of the Unity Cup thanks to a deserved 2-1 victory over Ghana.
An own goal from Ghana’s Razaq Simpson and a strike from the returning Cyriel Dessers were enough to give the Super Eagles a slim victory despite a late goal from Brandon Thomas-Asante for the Ghanaians.
Here’s how the Super Eagles payers performed individually in the win over their neighbouring rivals.
Stanley Nwabali — 5
Another shaky performance from Nwabali, who almost gave a goal away in the first half with an errant pass, but there was little he could do to prevent Ghana’s goal.
Sodiq Ismail — 7
Ismail was once called the Nigerian Dani Alves and backed up these claims with a solid attacking display at right-back, providing the assist for the Super Eagles’ opener
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Igoh Ogbu — 5
Played well for the majority of the game, but was caught napping at the back as Brandon Thomas-Asante evaded him to score unmarked.
Semi Ajayi — 7
Did well to get on the end of Chukwueze’s cross to force a Ghanaian own goal for to put Nigeria 2-0 up
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Bruno Onyemaechi — 6
Onyemaechi was quiet down the left wing, but had a solid defensive display even though he rarely threatened the Ghanaian right side.
Franck Onyeka — 6
Did well to break up opposition attacks and was part of a midfield that did just enough to overrun the Ghanaians.
Wilfred Ndidi — 6
The Leicester City man led the Super Eagles as captain and showed a leader’s sacrifice a number of times, putting his body on the line to stop dangerous attacks.
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Papa Daniel Mustapha — 6
A composed and calming influence on the midfield, Mustapha did well to organise the midfield without having to be too flashy.
Samuel Chukwueze — 7
Provided the cross for Nigeria’s second goal and was a threat throughout his 62 minutes on the pitch. There might be hope yet for the AC Milan winger.
Sikiru Alimi — 6
Linked up well with Dessers to create chances and overall did well on his Super Eagles debut even without finding the back of the net.
Cyriel Dessers — 8
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Proved Eric Chelle’s decision to hand him a recall and start correct with a goal inside 14 minutes, and was a constant threat for the Super Eagles against Ghana.
Substitutes
Kelechi Iheanacho — 6
Had a goal chalked off for offside and set up Dessers for what could have been a third goal for Nigeria but for a blatant foul on the forward that was ignored.
Moses Simon — 5
A non-factor after coming off the bench, the Nantes man is clearly still getting used to Chelle’s system.
Ahmed Musa — 6
Created a few openings and used his experience to slow the game down and buy the Super Eagles time late on.
Emmanuel Onyebuchi — N/A
Too little time on the pitch to impact the game
Collins Chinemerem Ugwueze — N/A
Too little time on the pitch to impact the game
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