SCORENigeria rates the individual performances of the Super Eagles in a 1-0 win over Libya in a 2025 AFCON qualifier in Uyo.
6 Stanley Nwabali
He was on holidays on this day. But that should be a very different story on Tuesday night in Benina, when they have to pour forward to try to salvage whatever remains of their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign.
6 Ola Aina
Pushed down to join the attack at right fullback as he was not tested back in defence. But he could not really contribute to anything significantly in attack against a crowded Libyan defence.
6 Bruno Onyemaechi
Same thing goes for the Boavista defender at left fullback. No cross or through ball that will unlock the Libyan defence.
6 Calvin Bassey
He was decent but often stayed back in defence even when the North Africans were camped in their own half of the pitch.
6.5 William Ekong
He ventured occasionally into the attack as was expected of him and that was how he got a half chance off a rebound that he ballooned into the stands.
6.5 Wilfred Ndidi
He was full of endeavour, but lacking creativity when he pushed forward.
6 Frank Onyeka
Full of running as always, but probably was surplus to requirements as there was no need for a second defensive midfielder besides Ndidi. Probably the more attacking Fisayo Dele-Bashiru ought to have started as Libya did not offer any danger going forward.
6.5 Alex Iwobi
He had at least four clear-cut chances to score, but was either denied by the Libyan goalkeeper or his finishing let him down. Goal scoring has never been his strongest suit and this was very much evident in this game.
An African referee said Lookman is offside.
They did it against Rwanda and they are doing it against Libya pic.twitter.com/aQ8YMTqHLs
— Jayjam (@JayItsJam) October 11, 2024
6 Ademola Lookman
This was certainly not one of his best games for Nigeria. He played on the right side of attack, while Moses Simon was on his favoured left. He later played as a second striker behind Victor Boniface. Showed glimpses of his class like when he fired the goal that was chalked off for offside in the 84th minute.
5 Victor Boniface
Again, he did not leave to the high expectations. While he has been flying at his German club Bayer Leverkusen, he again blew cold with the Super Eagles. This was his eighth appearance in a green-white-green shirt and he has yet to score. The pressure will continue to mount as he continues to search for his first Super Eagles goal.
7.5 Moses Simon
He was the most impressive Super Eagles star after goal hero Dele Bashiru. He delivered the assist for the match winner and he was a real danger to the packed Libyan defence. He made a strong case that he should play on the left side of attack and now Ademola Lookman would have to play as a second striker, which is what he also plays at his club Atalanta.
8 Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
His late goal gave the Super Eagles the maximum points to break the resolve of the Libyans going into the rematch Tuesday night. The Lazio man ought to have started this game ahead of Iwobi because he always has goals in him and he is a lot more creative than the Fulman star. It will be a major shock if he does not start in Libya.
5 Samuel Chukwueze
He tried to impress when he was brought on after an hour of action for Frank Onyeka, but he failed to do so even though he had enough minutes to make an impact. In one instance, he broke through the Libyan defence, but his final ball was blocked by inspired goalkeeper Murad Al Wuheeshi.
Super Eagles Starting XI vs Libya (4–3-3) Stanley Nwabali – Calvin Bassey, William Ekong (Captain), Bruno Onyemaechi, Ola Aina- Wilfred Ndidi (Raphael Onyedika 74), Frank Onyeka (Samuel Chukwueze 61), Alex Iwobi(Fisayo Dele-Bashiru 74) – Ademola Lookman (Semi Ajayi 90), Victor Boniface (Taiwo Awoniyi 74), Moses Simon
