TheCable

The Super Eagles of Nigeria suffered embarrassment on home soil with a 1-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in Abuja and it came with ignominious outcomes.

It was the first time ever the Guineans have defeated Nigeria, and they knocked the Super Eagles off first place in Group A of AFCON qualifiers.

Almost every player on the pitch failed to turn up as we diagnose the rot in Jose Peseiro’s Eagles.

Francis Uzoho, GK (2/5): Had little to do and could do nothing about the goal he conceded. A disorganised defence ahead of him shows his lack of organisation.

Zaidu Sanusi, DL (2/5): Guinea-Bissau had more joy on his side as he struggled to create chemistry with players around him. Was ineffective in attack.

Kelvin Akpoguma, DC (2.5/5): Calm but not the finished article. Poor connection with Bassey led to Balde’s goal. Went off to a head injury early in the second half.

Bright Osayi-Samuel, DR (3/5): Attempted to have created space and opportunities in attack but a selfish Chukwueze didn’t play much with his compatriot. Contributed more going forward in the second half and stopped a counterattack that could have been Guinea-Bissau’s second goal.

Calvin Bassey, DC (1/5): The weaker link in central defence as the Ajax man’s positioning wasn’t great. Partly at fault for the goal and left space that Guinea-Bissau exploited to create chances.

Wilfred Ndidi, DM (2/5): Sat at the base of midfield to screen the defence, but this is a stark difference from the energetic midfielder that covers every blade of grass we are used to. Struggled to match the pace of counterattacks and looks quite unfit. Was more mobile in the second half but looks well off the pace and missed when put through on goal.

Alex Iwobi, CMF (2.5/5): Played deeper than usual but there were not many lung-busting runs from deep, and neither did he read defensive situations well to contribute positively. His passing was suspect throughout, especially in the second half as the Eagles chased the game.

Kelechi Iheanacho, AMF (1/5): Furthest midfielder forward but struggled to find precise through balls for the attackers and fizzled out as the match wore on. Senior man Kelz looked uninterested and was rightly yanked off at halftime.

Samuel Chukwueze, WF (2/5): This Villarreal dribbling machine was a maverick as usual but lacked the final product. More concerning is that this fine dribbler fails to look up to try and play with his teammates. Got the memo at halftime and improved in the second period but still could not make chances count.

Ademola Lookman, WF (1/5): The least influential of the front trio. His crosses were way off. An ineffective outing was ended by substitution at halftime.

Victor Osimhen, CF (2/5): A joy to watch in attack as he fought lost balls and bullied defenders. Did not convert an early chance, but demanded every ball and his passion was his undoing.

SUBSTITUTES

Moses Simon (3/5): Committed 45 mins. He attracted fouls and created chances for the forwards but wasted a big chance in 57 minutes when set up by Chukwueze.

Paul Onuachu (2/5): Came on at halftime and was the target for crosses but could not put many on target. Missed a sitter.

Semi Ajayi (2.5/5): Quiet and effective.

Frank Onyeka (2/5): straight into the thick of the action and added bite to the midfield.

Ahmed Musa (n/a): No rating.

Photo credit: Osodi Emmanuel