Star striker Victor Osimhen looked out of ideas and missed a sitter as Jose Peseiro's side laboured to a 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in their matchday three fixture in the ongoing AFCON 2024.
Super Eagles coach Peseiro made four changes to his starting lineup for the final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) group stage match against Guinea-Bissau.
William Troost-Ekong and Zaidu Sanusi, who had started the previous games, were missing from the Portuguese's line-up.
Bright Osayi-Samuel, Kenneth Omeruo and Joe Aribo made their first starts of the competition, with Moses Simon returning to the starting XI after losing his place in the game against Ivory Coast.
How the Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria game unfolded
The first half of the Super Eagles versus Guinea-Bissau match was evenly contested, with both teams striving to gain an advantage.
Despite several opportunities for both sides to score, the opening goal didn't materialize until the 36th minute. Simon attempted to deliver a cross to Osimhen in the penalty area.
However, Guinea-Bissau's Opa Sangante inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net while attempting to thwart the Napoli player. Additionally, the Super Eagles had a prime opportunity to increase their lead just before half-time, but Osimhen's header missed the target.
Super Eagles player ratings
Goalkeeper & Defence
Stanley Nwabali (6/10)
Actually had very little to do apart from two saves in the second half.
Calvin Bassey (5/10)
Always tried to make things happen but lacked the extra bit of quality to do so.
Kenneth Omeruo (5/10)
A solid enough showing in the centre of defence and was only exposed after Guinea-Bissau pushed forward desperately late on.
Sem Ajayi (5/10)
Quite comfortable for most of the game and tried to get forward whenever he could, but his frustration spilled over in the final seconds.
Midfield
Ola Aina (7/10)
Exceptional on the ball, spraying the ball around in a way that no other wing-back can do.
Bright Osayi-Samuel (5/10)
Looked solid for the opening 45 minutes then things took a downward turn and he was hooked for Zaidu Sanusi.
Frank Oyeka (6/10)
Joe Aribo (6/10)
A characteristically classy and industrious display from the midfielder, who won plenty of possession and used it well.
Was good defensively in the first half and pressed aggressively while also linking up well with Moses Simon and Samuel Chwukueze. Like his team-mates, faded after half-time.
Attack
Moses Simon (6/10)
Pressed well and used his body excellently in build-up play, but squandered a great chance in the second half.
Samuel Chwukwueze (5/10)
Started the game with his usual understated style but became a little sloppy on the ball in the second half. Still created a few chances, but not at his extraordinary best.
Victor Osimhen (4/10)
Was given chances to trouble White but rarely took them.
Subs & Manager
Alex Iwobi (5/10)
Nigerian fans were perhaps expecting him to be a bit more effective in the final third than he was.
Raphael Onyedika
Unable to have much impact in his 27 minutes on the pitch.
Ademola Lookman (4/10)
Came on in place of Chwukueze and obviously didn't carry anything like the same attacking threat.
Chidozie Awaziem (N/A)
Only on for a few minutes.
Jose Peseiro (5/10)
It would be fair to say that Peseiro will not have been all that impressed with what he saw from his players on Monday. They defended resolutely but were just a little too blunt in attack.
