The Super Eagles of Nigeria bulldozed their way into the CAF World Cup play-offs final after putting four goals past Gabon at the Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat, Footynaija.com reports.
Victor Osimhen stole the show with a sublime brace to cap off a largely dominant performance that saw Chidera Ejuke restore Nigeria’s lead after Mario Lemina scored late on for Gabon to cancel out Akor Adams’ opener and force extra-time.
At the end of a thrilling late show from the Super Eagles, Footynaija.com brings you an overview of how each player performed.
Stanley Nwabali: GK – 6.2
Nwabali didn’t have much to do in this game but was on hand to deny Gabon a late consolation in extra-time. The 28-year-old did produce some erratic moments in the game, however, he put up a solid display overall.
Bright Osayi-Samuel: RB – 6.5
Osayi-Samuel was unfortunate to see Lemina’s strike deflect off his shin before creeping into the back of the net. Other than that, he justified Eric Chelle’s faith in his abilities with his overall performance.
Benjamin Frederick: CB – 7.4
The youngster just happens to get better and better with each game he plays in the Super Eagles colours. Fredrick held his own against the experienced Peirre-Emerick Aubameyang at the heart of Nigeria’s defense and still found the time to supply and brilliant assist for the first of Osimhen’s two goals.
Calvin Bassey: CB – 7.0
Bassey took effortless command of Nigeria’s backline and effortlessly marshalled Gabon’s front line. The Fulham defender hardly put a foot wrong out there in Rabat.
Zaidu Sanusi: LB – 6.9
Zaidu justified Chelle’s decision to play him over Bruno Onyemaechi in today’s game. The FC Porto defender could’ve done better with his deliveries in the final third. Nevertheless, his overall impact on the game was impressive.
Wilfred Ndidi: MF – 7.0
Nigeria’s midfield general capped off a brilliant display in the middle of the park with a similarly brilliant assist for Ejuke’s goal to restore the Super Eagles’ lead in extra-time. Another fine day at the office for the Besiktas man.
Alex Iwobi: MF – 6.8
Iwobi was central to Nigeria’s dominance in the first half as he perfectly executed his role as a deep-lying playmaker. While he didn’t have a similar level of impact in the second half, the 29-year-old’s work rate in the middle of the park was commendable.
Ademola Lookman: MF – 6.3
Atalanta’s star man is clearly still struggling to rediscover his best levels and was consequently unable to impact today’s game in any significant measure.
Samuel Chukwueze: FW – 6.5
Chukwueze was a lively figure in the Super Eagles front line, especially in the first half. He caused some trouble for Gabon’s defenders but the Fulham man was unable to produce that telling touch.
Akor Adams: FW – 7.0
Adams enjoyed a really good outing in Rabat, combining well with Osimhen up top to create some dangerous moments that required the intervention of Gabon’s goalkeeper. He ultimately broke the deadlock for Nigeria after intercepting a loose pass from a Gabon defender before firing into an empty net.
Victor Osimhen: FW – 7.4
The Super Eagles’ talisman looked to be out of sorts after squandering a number of great opportunities during the game. But he would go on to right his wrongs in extra-time, bagging a sublime brace in the space of eight minutes to put the game to bed.
Substitutes
Moses Simon: FW – 6.5
Simon replaced Lookman on the hour mark and provided the Super Eagles with some attacking impetus off that left flank.
Chidera Ejuke: FW – 7.0
Ejuke came on in place of Chukwueze and did well to restore Nigeria’s lead shortly after the start of extra-time. The Sevilla man has surely given Chelle something to think about ahead of the play-offs final.
Frank Onyeka: MF – 6.5
Onyeka replaced goalscorer Adams with less than ten minutes of normal time remaining. He provided additional steel in midfield, giving the Super Eagles a perfect platform to go all out for the win.

















