Nigeria delivered one of their most convincing performances in recent memory with a commanding 3-1 victory over Ghana at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Saturday. Here is our detailed player-by-player assessment of the night that reignited hopes for a memorable AFCON 2025 campaign.
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali — 8/10
The Chippa United stopper was barely troubled in the first half but produced two decisive saves in the second — one a reflex stop from close range and another a fingertip deflection of a long-range effort that would have made it 2-2. His distribution was clean and his communication with the defence commanding. A very good night.
Defence
Ola Aina (RB) — 8/10: Arguably Nigeria’s best performer. Overlapping relentlessly, contributing to the build-up for the second goal, and defending his side of the pitch with disciplined aggression. William Troost-Ekong (CB) — 7/10: Commanded the backline with authority, winning headers and organising the shape effectively. Semi Ajayi (CB) — 7/10: Solid, unfussy, reliable. Did exactly what was required. Zaidu Sanusi (LB) — 6/10: Decent defensively but his final ball in attacking situations remains frustratingly inconsistent.
Midfield
Wilfred Ndidi (DM) — 9/10: Man of the Match. Ndidi was everywhere. Three interceptions, eight duels won, and the composure of a player who has forgotten how to panic. He recycled possession efficiently and covered the defensive line whenever the full-backs pushed forward. Alex Iwobi (CM) — 7/10: A lovely, selfless performance from the Fulham man. His pressing triggers caused Ghana’s midfield constant problems and his late run created the space for the third goal. Frank Onyeka (CM) — 6/10: Functional but not inspiring. He was solid but anonymous by the standards the position demands.
Attack
Samuel Chukwueze (RW) — 8/10: Devastating on the counter. His first-time finish for the opening goal was world-class in execution. Looked like his AC Milan form has finally followed him to the national team. Victor Osimhen (ST) — 9/10: Two goals and an assist. Osimhen was unplayable when he turned, holding up play superbly and pressing tirelessly. The first goal — a first-time volley from Aina’s cross — was stunning. Moses Simon (LW) — 7/10: Clever, direct, and a constant thorn in Ghana’s right-back’s side. Overall team rating: 8/10. Nigeria look genuinely dangerous.
Chukwu Vincent Ogbonnia is the founder and lead editor of Viralarena, a Nigerian digital media platform covering breaking news, music, and sport. Based in Abuja, Vincent is a content creator passionate about telling Nigerian stories with speed, accuracy, and cultural authenticity.
Chukwu Vincent Ogbonnia is the founder and lead editor of Viralarena, a Nigerian digital media platform covering breaking news, music, and sport. Based in Abuja, Vincent is a content creator passionate about telling Nigerian stories with speed, accuracy, and cultural authenticity.
