The Super Eagles of Nigeria fell to a shock defeat in their final Group B clash against Madagascar in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

Madagascar, who are ranked 108th in the world according to the latest FIFA rankings handed the Super Eagles their first defeat at the AFCON finals since the Black Stars of Ghana beat Nigeria 1-0 at the semi-finals of the 2010 edition of the tournament. Following Nigeria’s defeat at the hands of Madagascar, here are the ratings for the Super Eagles’ players.

 

Ikechukwu Ezenwa 5.0

Ikechukwu Ezenwa played his first game for the Super Eagles at the ongoing tournament and was in goal when the Nigerians conceded for the first time in Egypt. However, there was nothing he could have done to prevent the goalscorer from finding the back of the net having being let down by the error from his defender. The other goal conceded was from a deflected free-kick which took the ball well away from his reach.

 

Chidozie Awaziem 4.5

The right full-back was efficient in defending but he did not perform the attacking roles expected for a player in his position. While Awaziem got forward to help out in attack, he did not provide enough width up the pitch to support Samuel Kalu who was the winger in front of him.

 

Temidayo Ola Aina 4.0

Ola Aina was impressive in defence and got forward to provide support for Ahmed Musa while getting in attacking positions where he could get crosses into the dangerous areas in the Madagascar defence. However, most of his crosses were not accurate and he gave the ball away to the opposition and denying his team the possession that could have increased the chances created.

Leon Balogun guarding the ball from his village people ?pic.twitter.com/337xzYM5L8

— Oga Web Designer?? (@samCodeNg) June 30, 2019

Leon Balogun 0

The Brighton and Hove Albion defender could not have had worse start to the game. His error left Lalana unmarked with Ezenwa allowing the Madagascar forward score the opening goal of the game. His error cost Nigeria and put them on the back foot for the entire game. Balogun misplaced passes in front of his own box and looked uncomfortable when he was put under pressure by the Malagasy attackers. He ends up being the flop of today’s match.

 

William Troost-Ekong 4.0:

William Troost Ekong was the calmer of the two central defenders but he looked shaky after the goal for Madagascar. The Udinese defender made important clearances and interceptions to help keep the Malagasy attackers at bay.

John Ogu 3.0:

The defensive midfielder started his first game at the tournament but was less than impressive with his performance. Ogu misplaced passes in the first half and failed to take any of the long range shots that he is reknowned for. He was replaced at halftime by Wilfred Ndidi.

Oghenekaro Etebo 4.0:

Etebo was supposed to dictate play from deep and link the defence with the attack but the midfielder was run off the pitch by the Malagasy midfielders. He was not given breathing space in the middle of the park and the Stoke midfielder could not get himself into dangerous positions where he could threaten the Malagasy defence or create chances for his teammates.

John Mikel Obi 3.0:

The Super Eagles captain had one of his worst performances in the Nigerian colours. Although he had a chance to put his side ahead very early on in the game but his header was weak and the follow-up attempt was inadequate. The former Chelsea midfielder was played in a more advanced position but he failed to break down the opposition defence with a through-ball or a dribble. He was substituted before the hour mark.

Samuel Kalu 4.5:

Kalu failed to impress in his position as a winger and was dispossesed by the Madagascar full-backs several times. The winger was able to get a few crosses into the box in the first half but they failed to locate any of the Nigerian players in the box. He was in charge of corner kicks but the Super Eagles could not convert any of the set-pieces into goal.

Ahmed Musa 4.0:

The flamboyant winger had the best chance of the first half but took too many touches and failed to get his shot away. Musa should have put the Super Eagles level within a few minutes of going behind after lovely play from the wing.

Odion Ighalo 5.0:

Odion Ighalo put in a decent shift in attack but did not get enough chances or goal-scoring opportunities. The former Watford striker won fouls off the opposition defenders and he held play up the pitch when Nigeria were playing on the counter attack. His link-up play was decent but he could not combine well with the wingers to create dangerous situations for Madagascar.

Wilfred Ndidi 4.5:

The Premier League midfielder came on at half-time with the Super Eagles behind by a goal. Ndidi caused the foul that led to the second goal and was unfortunate to deflect the resulting free-kick into his own net. He was able to get forward from his deep positions to get shots on goal but none of them could find the target.

Alex Iwobi 5.0:

Alex Iwobi came off the game after the half-hour mark but his impressive runs in attack could not break down the resilient Malagasy defence who held on to protect their lead.

 

Moses Simon N/A:

The winger did not have enough time to impact the game.