Afcon25 Nigeria Vs Mozambique - Players Rating

Stanley Nwabali (6/10):

The Chippa United’s shot stopper finally got his first clean sheet of the tournament in his best performance of the competition. Largely untested, though he appeared more composed last night, and we can only hope he keeps up with the clean sheet.

 

Bright Osayi-Samuel (7/10):

Birmingham City’s defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel was technically aware and tactical on point. He raised his game especially now that Ola is back on the grass and might soon start getting call-ups.  Bright organised the right flank efficiently - brilliant in his tasks on both the offensive and defensive ends of the pitch. His decision making was sharp, his work rate was encouraging, and he defended like a Marshall. He was unlucky on the night not to have found the net. Arguably his best tournament game so far.

 

 

OluwaSemilogo Ajayi (7.5/10):

The gentle giant of Hull City formed a superb partnership with Bassey to reassure us they can win without conceding a single goal. Ajayi was physically domineering all through, showing aerial dexterity and game-reading ability, whilst quenching any form of danger before they materialized. He didn’t put in any wrongfoot whilst passing accurately to build up attack for his teammates. He gave a solid account of himself all 90minutes.

 

 

Calvin Bassey (7.5/10):

The “Beast” of Fulham FC again showed us why he is one of the fiercest centre-backs in Europe. He easily caged any attacking threat, neutralizing the Mozambicans anytime they tried to threaten our defence.

His build up play contributed to our dominance as a team. Brilliant display from Bassey with those crisp, spotless, immaculate, and stainless display. No thanks to the yellow card that left a speck of dirt in his resume .

 

 

Bruno Onyeamachi (7/10)

The Olympiacos youngster had a beautiful, and unforgettable game against Mozambique last night. Great football technique and better final third deliveries to prove his game has really improved and that he is ready to keep Zaidu on the bench. Onyemaechi had the difficult task of stopping Mozambique's Geny Catamo, and he delivered a good job despite the mambas trying consistently to penetrate through his flank. His technique was clean, and his deliveries into the box were better than usual. Bruno really raised his game to an enviable one.

 

 

Wilfred Ndidi (7.5/10)

Captain Wilfred Ndidi of Besiktas continues to show Eric Chelle why he should not listen to us about his ability to have an outstanding his 90minutes with his 100% record in his reign as captain. He intelligently won balls and was easily the commander-in-dm-Chief. His presence was a rock for Ajayi and Bassey to confidently contest for goals upfront in dead ball situations. BifWilf understood his assignment and allowed ‘his boys’ thrive in their own tasks, showing exemplary Leadership on the field. Iron Man must have been jealous of Ndidi’s tough hold on the midfield especially with a pass accuracy of 95 percent.

 

 

Alex Iwobi (9.5/10):

Whenever you see Alexander Iwobi of Fulham FC, please shake him with both hands because he is not in the league of other midfielders, he is class above them!

Each passes took us breathe away as they were awe-inspiring and spectacular, slicing through the low blocks the Mambas set earlier in the game. Alex had his signature woven around three of four goals without breaking sweat whilst ensuring the Mozambique defence was left in tatters for the assists and goals to happen. Energetic movement, symphony of stringed passes, intimidating ball movement, unpredictable kinematics, defense splitting balls, and still didn’t leave our defenders in the cold, Alexander served us all a platter of Jollof rice, Asun, Grilled Tilapia and sumptuous Vegetable before ensuring we washed it down with a bottle of Irish Cream– we could not just have enough of Iwobi!

…and 87 percent pass accuracy in 87 minutes…please wear him a “to-match” agbada and befitting crown already!

 

Frank Onyeka (8/10):

The Tireless Brentford FC ‘drycleaner’ gave us more reasons not to stop clamouring for him in the starting XI. Frank covered every blade of the pitch and was a thorn in the attacking moves of the Mambas. From tackles won, breaking play, sniffing dangerous balls to neutralize, and shielding the backline, Frank “The Tank” ensured his contributions were a hit back-to-back. I can bet Eric Chelle must have made up his mind never to underestimate the magic Frank brings to the midfield.

 

 

 

Victor Osimhen (7.5/10):

The Galatasaray talisman shattered the goal ceiling of AFCON with a remarkable game, scoring twice to give us a comfortable win whilst inching closer to Late Rashidi Yekini’s Record. Sharp and hungry to score goals as evident in his presses and drive for goals; but for his offside challenges, Osimhen would be leading the goal scoring chart at AFCON by now. His predatory skills and physicality were such a problem for the Mozambicans as he became a complete menace till he wore them out. Sadly, such a brilliant performance was tainted by needless tantrums which remains unjustifiable.

 

Akor Adams (9.2/10):

The Sevilla FC star boy sealed the win with a fantastic ferocious finishing that speaks to his lethal prowess. I have consistently predicted that is Adams is allowed to steadily step into the big shoes of Osimhen, he will do wonders in the presence and absence of V09. He had just a chance to do what others could not do and his football acumen ensured he surpassed whatever efforts TEA, Dessers, Boniface, Onuachu, and others did before his arrival. “Boy” has cemented his place as Nigeria's unarguably second striker. His calculations are sharp, ability to play off Osimhen is astonishing, how he beasts the offside traps speak to football intelligence, his movements are well timed and superfluous, his hold-up play, spotless, and not to forget that fourth goal he scored was brutal!

 

Ademola Lookman (9.9/10):

The Atalanta forward no doubt peaked at the perfect time-AFCON25. Four games and it is looking like we have the AFCON 2025 Player of the Tournament and APOTY already. The moment is big, right? Ademola will make those moments bigger with his exceptional display, showing us the phrase “Na them dey rish us” was carved for such a player as him. Don’t get it twisted, he is set to beat and break a record - Rashidi Yekini and JJ Okocha’s number of AFCON goals. With Six AFCON goals, he might just shatter them with 1-3 games to go! Adedobo created six chances against Mozambique, the most of any player on the pitch, just call him “Chief Animashaun” already, which simply means the one who is selfless. The impeccable creative architect contributed to all four goals Nigeria scored last night, signifying his importance in Nigeria's attack.

 

Dribbling

Decision-making

Final Third Balls

Tricky moves

Through passes

Teamwork

 

Deadball specialist toh badt!!!

 

Ademola Lookman is whoever he says he is! Roger that!!