Afrigather Mohamed Tijjani opened the scoring for the Republic within the sixteenth minute, cashing in on a well-executed set piece by Gernot Rohr’s facet. Victor Osimhen missed a sitter within the first half, however made amends by leaping highest to attain from a Moses Simon cross within the 81st minute.
It wasn’t one of the best of shows from Augustine Eguavoen’s facet, however they managed to depart the Stade Félix Houphouet-Boigny with a degree.
Soccernet.ng charges the efficiency of the Nigerian gamers as they drew in opposition to the Benin Republic of their AFCON 2025 Qualifier.
1. Christian Nwabali 6/10: The Chippa United goalkeeper might have accomplished a lot better for Benin’s purpose, however made up for it with an excellent save later within the recreation. Total, he was composed as regular, and grew into the sport because it progressed.
2. Ola Aina 5.8/10: The Nottingham Forest full-back continuously made runs into the attacking half of the opposition within the first half, holding the fitting flank down. He out of vitality within the second half, and the entire passes and runs he tried had been half-hearted. He made means for Fernabahce’s Osayi-Samuel within the 82nd minute.
3. Gabriel Osho 5/10: The AJ Auxerre centre-back struggled with the depth of the sport within the first-half, and was withdrawn on the break because the coach opted for a again 4 after the restart. His efficiency will be partially excused as he’s solely simply attending to the grasps of African soccer.
4. William Troost Ekong 5.8/10: The Al-Kholood central defender remained composed on the again, however struggled after the restart when Eguavoen switched to a again 4. The Netherlands-born Nigerian captain additionally misplaced the ball in essential areas within the second half when he tried to play out from the again.
5. Calvin Bassey 5.8/10: The Fulham defender was shaky within the first-half, and continuously acquired caught in two minds. Heavy touches, misplaced passes and mistimed tackles outlined Bassey’s first half.
His on the ball choices had been very questionable, however his off the ball actions acquired higher, as he dealt rather well with Augsburg’s Steve Mounie.
6. Bruno Onyemaechi 6.3/10: The Boavista left-back put in a good effort by making runs down the left. He created Nigeria’s solely likelihood of the first-half, which was missed by Osimhen.
Defensively, he might have accomplished higher, however the group set-up meant he’d have a great deal of floor to all the time cowl.
7. Wilfred Ndidi 6.5/10: The Leicester Metropolis midfielder gained essentially the most duels on the pitch tonight. He performed as the one holding midfielder, and resulting from this, the midfield typically appeared empty.
He put in a heck of a shift in direction of the top of the sport, ensuring the Tremendous Eagles made no foolish defensive errors.
8. Alex Iwobi 6/10: The previous Arsenal participant didn’t have one of the best of video games this night. Like Bassey, he had a forgettable first-half, however his second half was barely higher. He created an opportunity for Onyemaechi after the restart, however the shot was properly large.
He made means for Victor Boniface within the 72nd minute.
9. Ademola Lookman 6/10: The Atalanta man struggled to muster any optimistic motion tonight. Lookman huffed right here and puffed there, however his passes had been quick and dribbles had been barely accomplished. The sport blew previous him offensively, however he recovered by serving to the protection out.
He made means for Onyeka within the 91st minute.
10. Kelechi Iheanacho 4.5/10: The poor type of the Sevilla ahead was evident tonight. The ex-Leicester Metropolis man was in a number of positions to create within the first half, however he held onto the ball too lengthy and struggled to make the fitting alternative. When he lastly launched the ball, the prospect was gone. He was taken off at half-time, with Moses Simon approaching in his stead.
11. Victor Osimhen 7/10: The Galatasaray striker scored an excellent header within the 81st minute to stage the scores, however issues might have been totally different if he didn’t miss a clear-cut likelihood within the first half. He was additionally caught offside many a occasions.
Substitutes
Moses Simon 6.5/10: The introduction of the FC Nantes winger injected some tempo into the Tremendous Eagles assault, and the choice to carry him on yielded dividends, as be offered an excellent cross to help Osimhen.
Raphael Onyedika 5.5/10: His introduction relieved Ndidi of some defensive workload in the midst of the park, however didn’t yield a lot offensively.
Victor Boniface 5/10: The Leverkusen striker got here on within the 72nd minute, and acquired into just a few first rate positions, however he couldn’t conjure up something strong. He continuously acquired into his personal head and ended up messing the possibilities up.
Vibrant Osayi-Samuel and Frank Onyeka didn’t do something worthy of word.
