Players Ratings: How Nigeria stars fared in disappointing defeat to Mali 

By Wale Mustapha

Coach George Finidi led Nigeria’s Super Eagles to a 2-0 defeat against Mali in the friendly match decided in Marrakech, Morocco on Tuesday.

It was the team’s first defeat under the caretaker coach and Nigeriafootball.ng run the rule on how Super Eagles’ players performed in the encounter. Here’s the reviews:

Stanley Nwabali – 5/10

He was largely untested for most parts of the game despite conceding two goals.

Nwabali was unable to get his long kicks right and most of them ended in opponent’s hands.

Bright Osayi-Samuel – 5/10

The Fenerbache right back struggled to make meaningful impact in the game.

He was far cry from his performance against Ghana.

He couldn’t link up well with the attack despite played high up the pitch.

Chidozie Awaziem – 4/10

He gave away the first goal with clueless clearance.

He couldn’t recover from the gaffe as he was forcing his remaining passes and tackles.

Kenneth Omeruo – 5.5/10

Omeruo could not offer much to keep the Malians away from Nigeria’s goal area.

He offered less with his misplaced passes but did well with few tackles and interceptions.

Semi Ajayi 6.5/10

The lanky defender was arguably the team’s best defender in the match.

He did well to cover for others in the three man defense.

His tackles and aerial contests were better.

Jamilu Collins – 4/10

He was handed a rare start after his return to the team but failed to impress as a wing back.

He couldn’t make a single crosses in the first half.

Raphael Onyedika – 7.5/10

The Anderlecht man did well with neat tackles and clear cut passes.

He gave the Malians a good fight in midfield and scuttle some of their moves.

Wilfred Ndidi – 4.5/10

Ndidi was not at his best in the match, a far cry from what he offered against Ghana.

His passes and tackles were horrible and completely lost his position at some points in the second half.

Alex Iwobi – 7/10

Iwobi enjoyed more spaces up front and created few chances with one of them almost result to goal for Nigeria.

He however struggled to create cover when the team are pegged back.

Moses Simon 4/10

The Nantes’ man had a good chance to open the score sheet for Nigeria early in the game but fluffed the opportunity and was later forced off due to injury.

Kelechi Iheanacho 7.5/10

Iheanacho was very lively in the attack and has a decent performance.

He was switching wings to cause more problems for the Malians and also offered to drop deeped in some occasions.

Cyriel Dessers – 4.5/10

It’s a game the Rangers’ man will not want to remember again with his horrible performance.

He was an emergency replacement for injured Moses Simon and could have brought the team back on level terms but wasted the opportunity.  He was also unable to put the Mali defense under pressure.

Ademola Lookman – 4/10

More like too little too late for Lookman when he came in as he couldn’t have much time to settle into the game.

He offered less than expected.