Nigeria Player Ratings: Iwobi thrives, Sanusi underwhelms in Algeria loss

Another decent outing for the custodian who appears to be Jose Peseiro’s preferred pick between the sticks.

Akpoguma did well on a rare Nigeria start and was not found wanting in Oran.

For a centre-back, he was rather quiet in Tuesday’s defeat. A few interceptions were unmistakable, nonetheless.

Made crucial interventions in the first half and was dominant owing to his controlled aggression.

Testing night for the right-back who had to deal with Youcef Belaili for nearly every Algeria attack in the first half.

Grew into the game.

Nearly cost Nigeria with an under-hit headed back-pass and ruined two promising counter-attacks all in the opening half-hour.

Sanusi did not have a good outing in Oran.

Rash in some of his tackles and unsurprisingly gave away the penalty leading to Algeria’s first-half equaliser.

Dropped deep to facilitate play and kept the ball moving with purpose. Out of possession, Iwobi put in the hard yards, continuing the top-class application that has been evident since the start of 2022-23.

Nigeria’s best player in Oran.

Tried to link play with a series of one-time flicks in the early stages and looked to dribble with the ball as the game wore on.

Had a clearly legitimate goal ruled out. Shocking decision!

The Nantes wide attacker was a threat in possession and caused issues for Algeria’s defence with his direct running.

Opened the scoring for the Super Eagles and was unlucky to be flagged offside after setting up Lookman for what would have put Peseiro’s team 2-0 up.

A typical Iheanacho performance in which he was sloppy, giving away possession when keeping it was not a complicated task and shot at goal when passes to better-placed teammates were on.

Godwin replaced Lookman with 22 minutes remaining but made little impact, failing to direct a cross into play from a promising position.

The centre-forward came on for Moffi and struggled to get a kick. Nothing Awoniyi came off in the loss.

Dessers replaced Iheanacho with five minutes remaining.

Onyedika came on for Onyeka in the closing minutes of the game.