Goals Nar Water: How the Super Eagles fared against Gabon

BY DOUGLAS BAYE-OSAGIE

Eric Chelle has taken the Super Eagles fans back to the 1990s, when we were a dominant force in Africa and unafraid to play attacking football. In a high-stakes playoff game, he adopted a bold approach, starting only one defensive midfielder in Wilfred Ndidi, which kept the Super Eagles fans on the edge of their seats until the goals began to flow against Gabon.

Here’s my assessment of the players who featured against Gabon: The team put on an impressive display, with some outstanding performances that suggest they’re serious about reaching the World Cup.

Stanley Nwabali was composed and showed good positional discipline between the sticks, although he characteristically put pressure on himself and the fans. Overall, he demonstrated composure and earned a solid 7/10 rating.

Osayi Samuel benefited from a VAR intervention after a rash challenge on a Gabonese player, which could have resulted in a penalty. His defending wasn’t the most assured, and he was fortunate not to be singled out for criticism. Nevertheless, he showed promise on the flanks but was the weakest link in the defense. Rating: 5/10.

Saidu Sanusi had a modern left-back display, showcasing his defensive prowess and attacking threat with good combination play with the attack. Although his crossing accuracy remains a work in progress, he excelled in his primary role and has retained his left-back position after a long absence due to injuries. The display earns him an 8/10 rating.

Benjamin Frederick solidified his claim to a permanent Eagles spot with a commanding performance at center-back. He didn’t put a foot wrong all game and effectively nullified Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. He’s arguably Eric Chelle’s best discovery as Super Eagles coach. He also found time to set up Osimhen for a scoring opportunity. Impressive! 10/10.

Calvin Bassey was largely impressive, combining effectively with Frederick to form a solid defensive partnership that’s quick in transition and solid in ball distribution. He sniffed out danger and was assured in his play, earning an 8/10 rating.

Wilfred Ndidi produced arguably his best performance in an Eagles shirt, leading by example and dictating the tempo of the game as the sole defensive midfielder. He managed the early yellow card well, and his pass to Ejuke set up a crucial goal in extra time. He deserves a 9/10 rating.

Alex Iwobi had a decent game in his 90th cap, helping Ndidi maintain possession and flow in a crowded attack. His versatility is one of his greatest undoing especially in the Super Eagles where coaches have had to play him away from his favourite position of attacking midfield behind the strikers. Perhaps the instructions to play deeper limited his creativity. 7/10.

Samuel Chukwueze was largely ineffective, displaying a lack of sharpness like in the previous game against Benin Republic. The coach substituted him at the start of the second half, and this was a display he’d likely want to erase from his Super Eagles memory. 4/10.

Ademola Lookman showed flashes of brilliance, although his overall impact was limited. He had some decent passes into the final third, but his problems at club level might be affecting his output. 6/10.

Akor Jerome Adams is built for the Nigerian style, playing on the shoulder of Osimhen and capitalizing on Gabon’s poor passing to score confidently. He showed promise and commitment, almost cementing a place as Victor Osimhen’s supporting striker. 8/10.

Victor Osimhen atoned for what looked like a late-game miss with a clinical brace in extra time, taking his tally to eight goals in the CAF qualifiers. The Super Eagles seem unbeatable when Osimhen is on the pitch. He’s in the form of his life and will be heavily relied on to take the team to the World Cup. 9/10.

Among the substitutes, Ejuke Chidera justified his inclusion with a well-taken goal and an impressive display. He’s pushing for a start, and 8/10 would be a fair rating.

Simon Moses had a below-average performance, although he stretched the Gabonese defense. His delivery from the flank was poor. 4/10.

Frank Onyeka’s introduction breathed new life into the team, steadying the midfield and reducing Ndidi’s workload. 7/10.

Chidozie Awaziem came on late but contributed to Osimhen’s second goal with a well-timed pass. 6/10.

William Troost-Ekong didn’t have enough time to make a significant impact but provided leadership and assurance in defense. 6/10.

Tolu Arokodare barely touched the ball after replacing Osimhen in the dying minutes of the game so won’t be rated

Coach Eric Chelle: He opted for an attacking formation and managed his substitutions very well, especially the 60th-minute substitutions of Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze for Moses Simon and Ejuke, respectively, which kept the pressure on the Gabonese. It opened up the game, and he will be rated an 8/10.

Against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Super Eagles fans will expect the team to maintain the momentum and be more clinical in attack, given their status as favourites.

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