The Super Eagles of Nigeria began its AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday
The Eric Chell-led team took all three points the hard way by coming from a goal deficit to complete a second half turnaround
Several players looked determined to get the points while some could not influence the match, and Daily Trust reviews performances of three players respectively in each category
Iwobi, Bassey, Nwabali lead Eagles as best Performers
Alex Iwobi was at the centre of Nigeria’s positive forays forward in the match
The Fulham central midfielder created the highest number of chances and produced the highest number of pass into Madagascar’s defensive third (27), and one was his defence splitting pass for George Ilenikhena’s equalizer
Calvin Bassey was another standout performer at the Godswill Akpabio stadium
The central defender was second only to Iwobi on passes into the final third and long passes forward
The sturdy defender had the highest number of passes in the match with 94% accuracy, also the highest in Uyo
His surging runs forward created an extra man in attack, while winning the highest number of ground duels and joint-match high two interceptions
Stanley Nwabali was also a decisive figure in defence The goalkeeper’s save from Rayan Raveloson to deny Madagascar a second goal laid the platform for Nigeria’s winner later on.
Nwabali, back in the fold for the first time since AFCON 2025, might have lost concentration for the Barea’s opener, but his saves kept Nigeria in the game before Moses Usor’s winner
Chukwueze, Lookman, and Adams fail to impress
Samuel Chukwueze is a player reborn at AC Milan, but continues to deceive with the national team
Despite recording the highest dribbles (43%) and touches in the opponent’s box (8), Chukwueze could not hit the target once, and had only one blocked shot for his effort
He was rightly yanked off early in the second half
Ademola Lookman was also a shadow of his prowess He managed just two shots and 0.13xG against the lowly Madagascar.
His only good act was leaving Iwobi’s through ball to reach Ilenikhena for the equalizer
Akor Adams was no different to Lookman, with the Venezia forward posting no shot on target and two blocked shots from four attempted (xG027).
He looked out of sorts and failed to find a better placed teammate in Madagascar’s penalty area in search of glory