Super Eagles top 5: Nigeria’s highest-rated players against Tanzania in Uyo

Nigeria’s Super Eagles got their wobbling 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign back on track with a 3-1 win over Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

Alhassan Yusuf gave the Super Eagles the lead after just two minutes, but Tanzania equalised before half-time.

Eric Chelle’s side regained control in the second half, with Tolu Arokodare scoring twice after coming on at the break. Moses Usor set up the striker’s second goal as Nigeria secured a winning start to their qualifying campaign.

Per SofaScore, Arokodare was Nigeria’s highest-rated player, while Usor, Wilfred Ndidi, Yusuf and debutant Abdullahi Bewene also impressed. Here are the five best-rated Super Eagles players from the victory.

Super Eagles’ top 5 stars vs Tanzania

1. Tolu Arokodare – 8.7/10

Tolu Arokodare led Nigeria to victory with two second-half goals against Tanzania.

The striker replaced Tochukwu Nnadi at half-time and partnered Akor Adams in attack. He needed little time to make an impact, scoring twice to register his first brace for the Super Eagles.

The goals ended his 14-month and seven-day wait for another strike for Nigeria. His last goal came against Rwanda in September last year.

Arokodare finished with five shots, three on target, although he missed one big chance. He completed all eight of his passes, won three of his six duels, made two recoveries and blocked one shot.

His two goals settled the contest and gave Chelle another selection headache in attack ahead of Nigeria’s next qualifier.

2. Moses Usor – 8.2/10

Moses Usor made his third appearance for Nigeria and recorded his first assist in the Super Eagles shirt.

The LASK forward replaced Alhassan Yusuf at half-time and supplied the cross that allowed Arokodare to score his second goal of the night.

Usor also had two shots, both on target, and created one big chance. He recorded two key passes and completed 65 per cent of his 20 passes.

He was equally effective in his duels, winning seven of eight and completing all four of his attempted dribbles. He also made five recoveries and two interceptions.

The forward recorded 14 carries, including five progressive carries, as he repeatedly tried to take on Tanzania’s defenders.

It was a fine display from Usor, who now has a goal and an assist in his three appearances for Nigeria.

3. Wilfred Ndidi – 8.1/10

Wilfred Ndidi responded well after his involvement in the defensive lapse that allowed Tanzania to equalise.

The Super Eagles captain grew into the game and played a key role in Nigeria’s second-half improvement, providing the assist for Arokodare’s first goal.

Ndidi completed 86 per cent of his 74 passes and made two key passes. He also recorded six recoveries and four defensive contributions.

The Besiktas midfielder won three of his five duels and helped the Super Eagles take control of the game after a difficult spell before half-time. His assist and work in midfield made him one of Nigeria’s best performers on the night.

4. Alhassan Yusuf – 7.2/10

Alhassan Yusuf needed just two minutes to put Nigeria ahead against Tanzania.

The MLS-based midfielder scored the fastest goal Nigeria have ever recorded against Tanzania. It was also the quickest goal of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

Although he played only the first half before making way for Moses Usor, Yusuf made his contribution count.

He completed 91 per cent of his 33 passes, recorded 42 touches and successfully completed two of his three attempted dribbles.

His early goal gave Nigeria the perfect start, even though Tanzania managed to draw level before the break.

5. Abdullahi Bewene – 7.1/10

Abdullahi Bewene marked his competitive Super Eagles debut with a full 90-minute appearance against Tanzania. The 21-year-old FC Baník Ostrava defender started at right-back, allowing Chelle to move Ola Aina to the opposite flank.

Bewene was composed in possession, completing 93 per cent of his 57 passes. Four of his seven long balls also reached their intended targets. He created one big chance and recorded four key passes, showing that he could contribute going forward as well as defend.

The youngster made six defensive contributions and four recoveries, although he won only five of his 13 duels.

There were a few difficult moments in his individual battles, but Bewene completed his first competitive appearance for Nigeria without being substituted.

It was a promising debut for the defender, who will hope to keep his place as the Super Eagles continue their AFCON qualifying campaign.