The Nigerian Super Eagles came through with a shambolic display which led to the team defeat against the ‘Wild Dogs’ of Guinea-Bissau, in one of the AFCON 2023 qualifiers fixture played earlier today at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

First half goal from Mama Balde was enough to seal all maximum points for the visitors at the expense of the Nigeria Super Eagles.

Following the team poor outing, below is a rating of the individual performances of the Nigeria Super Eagles team.

1. Francis Uzoho (6/10)

Once more Uzoho who retained his place in goal failed to keep a clean-sheet regardless coming through big the few times he was called to action.

2. Bright Samuel-Osayi (8/10)
Arguably Super Eagles man of the match, Samuel-Osayi was a beauty playing from the right back position.

Samuel lived up to expectations offensively and defensively and played a vital role which earnable Samuel Chukwueze to express himself.

3. Zaidu Sanusi (6/10)

Unlike Samuel-Osayi, Zaidu Sanusi failed to live upto expectations. The Guinea-Bissau side capitalized on his deficiency to always operate from his side often and on with many success.

Zaidu Sanusi contributed to the reason why Ademola Lookman wasn’t able to live up to his full potentials.

4. Kevin Akpoguma (6/10)

Akpoma was the weak link in the Eagles backline, many times, the defender was found napping and one of those times resulted to the visitors goal.

5. Calvin Bassey (7/10)

Adventurous Bassey was committed to cleaning up the mess in the Eagles backline.

His partnership with Kevin Akpoguma was below par as the lacked the needed cohesion,little wonder they were found napping in the build up of Guinea-Bissau goal.

6. Ndidi Wilfred (7/10)

Tho below par but a decent display from Ndidi Wilfred, the Leicester City winger won much tackles but had his rating reduced failing to convert a begging chance.

7. Alex Iwobi (8/10)

Iwobi came to the party and gave in his all. The Everton man was virtually everyone and strived to make things happen for the Eagles from the middle of the park.

8. Samuel Chukwueze (7/10)

A decent one from Samuel Chukwueze, his cohesion with Samuel-Osayi made their wing lively but had his rating reduced as he failed to make key moments count.

9. Ademola Lookman (5/10)

A total bad day in office it was for Ademola Lookman, the Atalanta winger was a shadow of himself in the game as basically nothing worked for him in the game.

10. Kelechi Iheanacho (5/10)

Iheanacho was more like a passenger in the game, Kelechi was a shadow of himself but had a decent rating following one scoring opportunity provided.

11. Victor Osimhen (7/10)

Napel striker, Osimhen arguably had a bad day in office. The little fed striker made things work for him but unfortunate not to score.

Barely few minutes away from Nigeria Super Eagles all important fixture against the ‘Wild Dogs’ of Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria Super Eagles gaffer, Jose Peseiro, has rolled out a stars studded starting XI for the game.

In his traditional formation, Coach Jose Peseiro opted for Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho in between the sticks.

In a four man defence set-up, Peseiro opted for the backline duo of Kevin Akpoguma and Calvin Bassey with Samuel Osayi and Zaidu Sanusi playing from the right and left back position respectively.

In the middle of the park, Peseiro unleashed Ndidi Wilfred to play from the defence midfield position alongside Everton midfielder, Alex Iwobi.

Down the flanks, Jose Peseiro opted for the duo of Samuel Chukwueze playing from the right hand channel and Ademola Lookman playing from the left hand.

With Victor Osimhen fit, the Napoli striker has been handed the role to lead attack for the Eagles with Kelechi Iheanacho playing from the supportive role.

Futbola klubs Auda and Olympic Eagles winger, Oluwatimilehin Abiodun Ogunniyi, has described Nigeria U-23 stalemate against Guinea U-23 as unfortunate but remained optimistic of the team causing an upset in the second leg of the fixture slayed for 28th March in Morroco.

In a post-match reaction, visibly gutted Oluwatimilehin Abiodun Ogunniyi expressed high optimism of him and the team getting the job done in Morocco.

“The first leg of the fixture is done and dusted and we have shifted our focus to the next fixture in Morroco”

“We played and gave in our best but we were unfortunate not to get a goal but it’s not the end of the road for us”

“We can possibly seal an U-23 AF ON ticket in Morroco and the whole team is resolute to make it happen”

“We have the quality and it’s now left for us to show quality by matching our opponent’s toe to toe in the second league”

After a disappointing draw at home, the Nigeria U-23 will have their fate in their hands as a win in Morroco will see the team through.

The winner on aggregate will qualify for the Africa U23 Cup of Nations scheduled for Morocco later this year, at which Africa’s flag bearers at next year’s Men’s Olympic Football Tournament will emerge