By Ademola tijani
The Super Eagles secured a 3-0 victory over Benin in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Saturday.
Nigeria, the favorites going into the game, had some questions surrounding their quality due to recent struggles. However, goals from Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen ensured a win for the three-time African champions.
The rating of the Super Eagles players gathered exclusively by DAILY QUERY revealed the following:
- Stanley Nwabali 8/10: “The Chippa United goalie had a great game. He looked very solid in the goalposts. He had an awkward moment early in the game after a poor first touch following a back pass, but he recovered. He also made some great saves in both halves, including one from point-blank range after a shot from Steve Mounie in the box.”
- William Troost-Ekong 7.3/10: “The Super Eagles captain was quite solid in Nigeria’s defence. He had a calming effect and led the team well. There was a moment when a lack of communication nearly cost the team, but that was the only major issue.”
- Semi Ajayi 7.6/10: “Ajayi had a good game for the Super Eagles. His marking was effective, and he displayed composure. He also made brilliant long passes that opened up play for Nigeria.”
- Calvin Bassey 7/10: “Bassey had a very good game, although he didn’t have much to do. He received a yellow card for a handball after some pressure from Mounie, but overall, it was a solid performance.”
- Ola Aina 7.1/10: “The Nottingham Forest player had a strong showing. He struggled in the final third during the first half but improved later. Notably, he was never dribbled past.”
- Bruno Onyemaechi 7.1/10: “He had a solid game for Nigeria at left fullback. While he could have contributed more in the final third, he performed his defensive duties effectively.”
- Alex Iwobi 6.9/10: “Iwobi had a good game, though he did not create many chances from the midfield. His passes and touches were good, and he formed a strong partnership with Ndidi.”
- Wilfred Ndidi 7.1/10: “Ndidi had a solid performance in midfield. His passing was precise, although his decision-making in the final third could have been better. He also provided an assist.”
- Ademola Lookman 9/10: “A superb performance from the Atalanta star. He was a constant threat in Nigeria’s attack, scoring two goals to secure the win. He could have added a third after a one-on-one with the Beninois goalkeeper but failed to convert.”
- Samuel Chukwueze 6.9/10: “The AC Milan winger had a lively first half, trying to create chances for Nigeria, though they didn’t materialize. In the second half, he saw less of the ball but had a decent showing overall.”
- Victor Boniface 6.9/10: “The Bayer Leverkusen forward had a decent game but missed two good chances. His positional switching with Lookman was effective, though it sometimes left Nigeria without a presence in the box.”
“Substitutes”:
- Victor Osimhen 7.5/10: “Osimhen started on the bench due to his late arrival in camp. He scored Nigeria’s second goal and was a constant threat in the final third. Although he missed two chances, it was a strong showing from the Galatasaray striker.”
- Moses Simon 7/10: “Simon played from the left wing and was very lively. He provided the assist for Lookman’s second goal.”
- Fisayo Dele-Bashiru 6.8/10: “Though Nigeria lost some midfield control after his introduction, Dele-Bashiru opened up play and was involved in the build-up to the second goal, supplying the pre-assist.”
- Olisa Ndah 6.7/10: “Ndah was solid in defence after replacing Bassey. Despite being thrown in under pressure, he made no major mistakes, though he was caught off-guard twice, allowing Benin to take shots.”
