Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles fell 1–0 to defending champions Senegal in their CHAN 2025 Group D opener at the Amaan Stadium, Zanzibar, on Monday, August 5.
Though the result was disappointing, individual performances varied, offering insight into the team’s strengths and weaknesses moving forward.
In this piece, Footynaija.com brings you player ratings based on the post-match data:
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Goalkeeper
16. Mustapha Lawal – 6.4
Had a mixed outing. Made some routine stops but didn’t command his area well enough and seemed hesitant under pressure. He could have done more to prevent the goal that sealed the result.
Defenders
13. Taiwo Abdulrafiu – 7.2 (Highest rated Eagle)
A standout on the night. The left-back looked confident going forward and defended aggressively when called upon. His energy and commitment made him a rare positive.
5. Leonard Ngenge – 6.7
Steady performance at centre-back. Calm in possession and made timely interventions. However, he wasn’t assertive enough in aerial duels.
4. Nduka Junior (c) – 6.7
Led by example and put in a shift. Commanded the backline vocally and stayed focused for most of the game, though better coordination was needed in key moments.
2. Qudus Akanni – 5.9
Had a rough night. Frequently caught out of position and struggled to contain Senegal’s wingers. Offered little support going forward.
Midfielders
7. Jabbar Malik – 6.9
Looked bright in the early stages with sharp movements and good link-up play. Was less involved as the game wore on but showed promise.
17. Raymond Tochukwu – 6.9
Worked tirelessly in midfield. Distributed the ball well and helped cover defensively. Lacked a cutting edge but was otherwise dependable.
10. Olamilekan Adedayo – 6.8
Another solid performer in midfield. Carried the ball with purpose and combined well with teammates in build-up phases. One of the few trying to break lines.
11. Ismail Sodiq – 6.3
Struggled to make a consistent impact. Showed good intent in flashes but failed to offer sustained threat or cover his flank defensively.
Forwards
19. Alimi Sikiru – 6.3
Put in a shift and tried to stretch Senegal’s defence. Didn’t get much service and couldn’t find space in dangerous areas.
15. Anthony Ljoma – 6.0
A quiet display. Failed to hold possession or trouble the Senegalese centre-backs. Looked off the pace and was eventually withdrawn.
Substitutes
12. Austin Harrison Uzondu – 6.3
Introduced in the 69th minute for Taiwo Abdulrafiu. Showed intent with aggressive pressing but struggled to get involved. Picked up a yellow card shortly after coming on.
17. Vincent Temitope – 6.4
Came on in the 80th minute to replace Qudus Akanni. Tried to offer control in midfield with a few tidy passes but had limited time to influence the tempo.
15. Shola Adelani – 6.4
Replaced Jabbar Malik in the 81st minute. Made a couple of forward runs and looked positive in possession, though lacked the minutes to make a bigger impression.
It was a flat performance overall. While there were a few encouraging individual displays, the team lacked creativity, urgency in the final third, and cohesion in defence. Nigeria will need a sharper, more decisive performance in their upcoming group matches to stay alive in CHAN 2025.
