Super Eagles player ratings: Aina sparkles; Ekong leader; Onyeka, Ajayi, Bassey rise to the occasion; Osimhen bully

The Super Eagles got their first win in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Ivory Coast on Thursday evening.

Allnigeriasoccer.com runs the rule over the Nigerian players who took part in the game.

The starters

Goalkeeper

Stanley Nwabali: Besides making an unconvincing save from Seko Fofana's long-range effort in the first half,  the Chippa United was unbusy in the game and  got an unnecessary  yellow card for time-wasting 7/10

Defenders

Ola Aina: The Nottingham Forest was solid throughout the game and wasn't dribbled past. However, it must be stated that he should be doing better when he bumps forward 8/10

Semi Ajayi: Quietly went about his duties in the first half and was solid in the second half,snuffing out the threat posed by the Ivorian strikers as they searched for an equaliser. 7.5/10

William Troost-Ekong: Kept his cool to dispatch the penalty and led by example with his good reading of the game. 8/10

Calvin Bassey: He was the busiest and the best of the three center backs with his physicality and good reading of the game helping to keep the Elephants at bay.

The Fulham defender made 3 clearances, one interception, won 6 ground duels, and lost three of his aerial duels 

Started the game at center back but ended as a left back and shone in both positions  8/10

Zaidu Sanusi: Gave the Ivorians their first chance of the game but even eventually grew into the game, making a vital block to deny Christian Kouame in the first half 7/10

Midfielders and strikers

Frank Onyeka: He was the busier of the two central midfielders and finished the game with 2 clearances and  two interceptions while he also won 3 of his ground duels 7.5/10

Alex Iwobi: Had another poor outing though he was played in a deeper position and couldn't influence the game as much as he would have wanted.5.5/10

Ademola Lookman: Was lively but wasn't as impactful as he was against Equatorial Guinea. A decent outing for the Atalanta forward 6/10

Victor Osimhen: Missed a big chance in the first half, won the penalty that led to the goal, and also had the chance to double the lead after the opener. Bullied the Elephants defence and gave away a game-high six fouls. 7/10

Samuel Chukwueze: Looked lively early on in the game, and created one big chance for Osimhen in the first half but his decision-making left so much to be desired at times.6/10

The substitutes

Moses Simon: Was anonymous when he came on 4/10

Bright Osayi-Samuel: Made a poor decision when he had the chance to create an opportunity that could have doubled Nigeria's lead 4/10

Kenneth Omeruo: Made his presence felt when he came on, making 1 clearance and winning one aerial duel 6/10

Paul Onuachu: Proved a handful for the Ivorians with his towering surprise and it wasn't surprising that he won 3 fouls 6/10

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid