Super Eagles Player Ratings For AFCON Semi-Final Win Over South Africa

In a dramatic semifinal clash at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, Nigeria’s Super Eagles sealed their spot in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a tense penalty shootout victory over South Africa.

The match, which ended 1-1 after regulation and extra time, saw both teams exhibit impressive performances in a thrilling end-to-end encounter.

Here’s a breakdown of the Super Eagles players’ performances:

  1. Stanley Nwabali (8.5/10): The Chippa United goalkeeper showcased remarkable skill, making four crucial saves during regular play and two more during the penalty shootout, solidifying Nigeria’s defense.
  2. Bright Osayi-Samuel (7/10): The Fernabache full-back delivered a solid performance, completing 91% of his passes and contributing defensively before being substituted for Kenneth Omeruo.
  3. William Troost Ekong (7.6/10): As team captain, the PAOK central defender displayed leadership, scoring a vital penalty and demonstrating expertise in defense and penalty-taking.
  4. Semi Ajayi (6.8/10): The West Bromwich Albion defender proved formidable in aerial battles and provided valuable support in attack when needed.
  5. Calvin Bassey (7.5/10): The Fulham defender exhibited strength and resilience, winning all of his duels and ensuring defensive stability.
  6. Ola Aina (7/10): Despite being deployed on the left side due to Zaidu’s injury, the Nottingham Forest full-back delivered decent crosses while battling on his weaker side.
  7. Frank Onyeka (7/10): The Brentford midfielder contributed tirelessly in midfield, disrupting South Africa’s play with well-timed tackles and interceptions.
  8. Alex Iwobi (6.5/10): The former Arsenal player struggled with the intensity of the South African midfield before being substituted in the second half.
  9. Ademola Lookman (6.2/10): The Atalanta forward missed a golden opportunity but remained a threat, creating chances and attracting attention from the opposition.
  10. Moses Simon (5/10): The Nantes winger faced difficulties beating his marker and was dispossessed frequently before being replaced by Samuel Chukwueze.
  11. Victor Osimhen (7.5/10): Osimhen’s skill and tenacity earned Nigeria a crucial penalty and tested the South African defense throughout the match.

Substitutes:

  • Yussuf Alhassan (5.5/10): The Antwerp midfielder struggled defensively and conceded a crucial foul that led to South Africa’s equalizer.
  • Samuel Chukwueze (6/10): Chukwueze injected energy into Nigeria’s attack but faced challenges with decision-making.
  • Joe-Ayodele Aribo (6/10): The Southampton midfielder provided stability in midfield and avoided errors that could lead to goals.
  • Kelechi Iheanacho (6.3/10): Iheanacho made valuable contributions offensively, scoring the winning penalty in the shootout.
  • Terem Moffi (6/10): Moffi demonstrated composure under pressure, converting his penalty confidently during the shootout.
  • Kenneth Omeruo: The Kasimpasa defender confidently dispatched his penalty, contributing to Nigeria’s shootout victory.

Discover more from LN247

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Advertisement

Most Popular This Week

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

More from Author

Advertisement

Read Now

AFCON 2025: Osimhen, Ekong, Lookman, Joins Super Eagles Camp in Abidjan

As Nigeria’s Super Eagles prepare for their crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier against Benin Republic, a strong squad of 22 players, including star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, and captain William Ekong, assembled in Abidjan. Only Spain-based striker Sadiq Umar was yet to arrive, expected to join...

Anthony Joshua Surpasses $200 Million in Career Earnings

Anthony Joshua has now exceeded $200 million in career earnings, establishing himself as one of boxing’s top earners and surpassing heavyweight rival Tyson Fury and rising star Gervonta Davis. The former two-time heavyweight champion brought in $75 million from his fights in 2024 alone, ranking him second in...

Osimhen Dedicates Winning Brace to Injured Teammate Mauro Icardi

Victor Osimhen showed his team spirit on Sunday, dedicating his two goals in Galatasaray's 3-2 win over Samsunspor to his injured teammate Mauro Icardi. The Nigerian striker opened the scoring just three minutes into the Turkish Super Lig's Week 12 clash and then netted another in the...

Discover more from LN247

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading