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Boniface’s woes in a Nigerian jersey continued again on Tuesday afternoon but Ademola Lookman showed why he is the African Player of the Year in waiting.
Ademola Lookman was the star of the show as Nigeria played out a disappointing goalless draw against Rwanda in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
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16:25 - 10.09.2024
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Here are Pulse Sports’ key takeaways from the Super Eagles' stalemate with the Wasps of Rwanda.
The Super Eagles came into the game having started their campaign with a 3-0 win over Benin last Saturday, courtesy of goals from Lookman and Osimhen.
However, despite their dominance on Tuesday, they could not replicate the same feat against the Rwandans.
The Super Eagles were on the front foot for most of the game but could not make their dominance count despite having nine shots on target and 20 shots in total.
Having said that, Pulse Sports takes a look at how the players fared.
Stanley Nwabali- 6
The Super Eagles goalkeeper was a spectator for most of the game but was solid when called upon.
Ola Aina- 7
Aina was solid defensively and creative going forward. The Nottingham Forest star was a major creative outlet from his right-back position, putting in some decent crosses.
William Troost-Ekong- 6
The captain looked a little bit jittery in the early stages of the game but got comfortable as the match went on. In fairness, he did not have much to do as the team was on the front foot for most of the game.
Semi Ajayi- 7
Ajayi looked comfortable on the ball and helped with the team’s buildup play. He was also an aerial threat in both ends of the pitch.
Calvin Bassey- 6
Bassey looked comfortable on the ball too but did not need to defend a lot as the Super Eagles played most of the game with the ball.
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16:20 - 10.09.2024
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Bruno Onyemaechi- 7
Another solid showing from Onyemaechi. Brilliant defensively and solid going forward. He also found himself in promising positions but could not convert.
Wilfred Ndidi- 6
Although he was tidy on the ball, he took too many touches and slowed down the team’s attack. Not a surprise he was taken off as the game went on.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru- 6
The Lazio man replaced Alex Iwobi in the lineup but despite his effort, the creativity was lacking in the middle.
Samuel Chukwueze- 5
Time is running out for Chukwueze after he failed to show his quality in the game. His decision making was poor again and offered little in attack.
Victor Boniface- 5
Boniface once again struggled, failing to replicate his club form for the Super Eagles. The Bayer Leverkusen striker, who plays with a partner at his club, struggled to lead the line alone.
He also missed a glorius chance after he was set up by Lookman in the first half.
Ademola Lookman- 8
Nigeria’s best player on the pitch. Although he did not add to the two goals he scored against Benin, Lookman was a handful for the Rwanda defence.
He was Nigeria’s best attacking threat and was unlucky not to get the goal his performance deserved.
Subs
Victor Osimhen- 5
Although Osimhen was lively after replacing Boniface at half-time, he did not threaten Rwanda’s goalkeeper.
Moses Simon- 5
Simon replaced Chukwueze at half-time but did not make any difference, although he put in a few crosses.
Frank Onyeka- N/A
Raphael Onyedika- N/A
Taiwo Awoniyi- N/A
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