Nigeria coach Finidi George started off his interim tenure as Super Eagles coach by breaking an 18-year jinx with an impressive 2-1 win over Ghana's Black Stars in an international friendly in Marrakech, Morocco.
A first half penalty by Cyriel Dessers set the Super Eagles on their way as the Eagles dominated the first half.
The Black Stars came out stronger in the second half and look the better side but after Jerome Opoku was sent off for the Ghanaians, Nigeria took over.
Atalanta's Ademola Lookman got Nigeria's second in the 83rd minute from a swift Nigeria counter attack to make it 2-0.
Jordan Ayew scored from the spot for Ghana after a foul by Nigeria defender Bright Osayi-Samuel to make it 2-1 for the Black Stars and put some respect on the scoreline.
These are our player ratings for the Super Eagles
Stanley Nwabali – 8.5
Another stellar game for the Super Eagles. Made three great saves in the game and looked assured throughout the match. Could not keep Jordan Ayew's penalty out but he was immense for Nigeria.
Benjamin Tanimu – 7.0
Showed no nerves on his senior debut. He was assured in possession and broke up a few Ghanaian attacks. Won't be the last of him in the national colors. solid debut. He had to go off due to injury but has earned himself another shot with his performance on the night.
Chidozie Awaziem – 7.5
Did all was asked for him with flying colors keeping Jordan Ayew and the Ghanaian attack at bay.
Bruno Onyemaechi – 7.0
Very effective in the tackle and had three recoveries. Joined the attack when necessary and also helped the midfield to stifle the Ghanaians. Made some decent crosses that weren't utilized.
Bright Osayi-Samuel – 6.5
Did well in a wingback role and combined well with the midfielders to supply the forwards but will have to have an introspection for giving away a needless penalty
Semi Ajayi – 8.0
Cool, calm and collected. Put in a few decent challenges and couldn't be beaten in the air. He was always there with a last ditch tackle or clearance.
Frank Onyeka – 8.0
Put in a sold shift in the middle breaking up plays and carrying the ball forward when necessary. One of the Super Eagles top performers against the Black Stars.
Alex Iwobi – 7.0
The Fulham forward was immense in the first half against Ghana with some incisive passing but fizzled out in the second half. He provided the assist for Nigeria's second goal scored by Lookman
Wilfred Ndidi – 7.5
Bossed the midfield alongside Onyeka and was simple but efficient. Showed why he was missed at the AFCON, Was later taken off for Raphael Onyedika.
Kelechi Iheanacho – 6.5
Missed a couples of chances especially in the first half. He did track back a lot to help out defensively but this definitely wasn't one of his best performances for Nigeria
Cyriel Dessers – 8.5
His link up play was superb and held the ball to bring Iheanacho and others into the game. Scored a peach of a penalty to put Nigeria in front. Definitely his best game in a Nigeria shirt.
Substitutes
Ademola Lookman – 7.0
The Atalanta man continued where he stopped from the AFCON by getting Nigeria's second goal after coming in as a substitute for Benjamin Tanimu. Slowly becoming a fan favorite.
Moses Simon – 6.0
Came in for Cyriel Dessers and had a go at the Ghanaian defence a few times but nothing noteworthy came out of it.
Jamilu Collins – 5.0
A late sub for Bruno Onyemaechi and didn't do badly. Got a yellow card for his troubles.
Raphael Onyedika – 6.0
Steady in possession and was always harrying the Ghanaians when he came on for Wilfred Ndidi.
