Ranking every member of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations squad

It wasn’t Covid in the end, apparently, but health concerns ultimately ruled Awaziem out of the Nations Cup.

NCompletely overlooked by Augustine Eguavoen, with Francis Uzoho getting the nod to prosecute the final group game against Guinea-Bissau.

Was never going to get some action ahead of the squad’s three other goalkeepers, but hopefully will have learned a lot from the time spent with the national side.

Wasted by Eguavoen, featuring for just five minutes against Guinea-Bissau.

Wilfred Ndidi’s deputy was given just 14 minutes against Guinea-Bissau.

A massive success story to have been handed his debut call-up for a major tournament, Ndah—like Onyeka—played for a quarter of an hour in the third group game.

Managed less than half an hour of gametime across two substitute appearances, and the former captain’s place in the squad must surely be brought into question.

Miserable tournament showing, complete with a red card—after only seven minutes—against Tunisia, the most notable contribution.

As far as tweets go that didn’t age well, that has to be up there. https://t.co/SlMMBuPkQj

— Ed Dove (@EddyDove) January 23, 2022

Has drifted to the peripheries of the Nigeria setup nowadays, and was handed a start against Guinea-Bissau—in the heart of the defence—after being brought on against Egypt to close up shop.

One of several players given a run-out against Guinea-Bissau, Ebuehi did little to suggest he deserves to climb above Ola Aina in the pecking order for the right-back berth.

Made just one appearance—against Guinea-Bissau—with the Super Eagles’ progress already assured, but did maintain a clean sheet.

Featured just once—against Guinea-Bissau—as Eguavoen shuffled the back, but was outstanding down Nigeria’s left during this bout.

Would have likely started had Gernor Rohr remained in post.

Not a strong tournament showing by the new Nigeria No. 1.

Kept a clean sheet against Egypt, but now needs to bounce back strongly after that gaffe against Tunisia in the Eagles’ knockout bout.

Given two cameos, including against Tunisia with Nigeria chasing the game, and created two goalscoring chances which were spurned by his teammates.

Could have been the match-winning hero on another day.

Scored against Guinea-Bissau but was criticised for missing too many chances—including a potential equaliser in the defeat by Tunisia.

He will find it hard to retain his place in the squad when some of the Eagles’ big guns return.

Impressed with a lively showing over an hour against Guinea-Bissau, having previously been given a brief run-out against Egypt.

The arrival of Ademola Lookman threatens to push him down the pecking order with the Eagles.

Saw a lot of the ball, but also looked rattled too often against both Sudan and Tunisia having initially started the tournament strongly.

Made a fine block against the Carthage Eagles, but was also partly culpable for Tunisia’s winner.

Enjoying a renaissance of sorts within the international arena, Sanusi was cut from the squad by Rohr, but returned to play a key role under Eguavoen.

There was glimpses of the player who—on his day—is among Africa’s best left-backs.

Helped Nigeria keep two clean sheets, and also found the net against Guinea-Bissau as the Eagles maintained a 100-percent record in the group stage.

Generally fared well without defensive partner Leon Balogun.

A timely return to the international arena, Nwakali made three appearances for Nigeria and ended the tournament as the fourth most accurate passer in the entire Nations Cup.

Finally made it to a senior international tournament with Nigeria, and certainly appeared keen to bring his Bundesliga scoring form to the international arena.

Only six players averaged more shots per game than Awoniyi, who also bagged in the 3-1 victory over Sudan.

Another lively tournament showing by the wideman, who netted in the victory over Sudan, but was ineffective as Tunisia eliminated the West African giants.

Seniorman netted a thumping winner after 30 seconds against Egypt to set the tone for the Eagles’ campaign, but that was as good as it got for the striker.

He also set up Umar Sadiq for Nigeria’s opener against Guinea-Bissau, but was hauled off after less than an hour in the defeat by Tunisia.

Monstrous in the midfield as usual, only one other player—Oumar Camara of Mauritania—averaged more tackles per game than the Leicester City man.

Wilfred Ndidi has completed more passes than any other player in the opposition half with 107 passes at 85.0% accuracy. 🇳🇬

Name a better midfielder, we'll wait! 🤔#Afcon2021 #GOALAfrica pic.twitter.com/8YHovEiGBA

— GOAL Africa (@GOALAfrica) January 23, 2022

Of course, Aina was guilty of a significant error—or two—in the build-up to Tunisia’s goal in the Round of 16 tie, but beyond that, he was magnificent down Nigeria’s right, pushing forward and giving the Super Eagles an extra dimension out wide.

The joint-third most consistent dribbler in the whole competition.

One of several players who delivered some of his best international displays for the country during the Nations Cup, Aribo set up Iheanacho for Nigeria’s opener against Egypt, and also excelled against Sudan.

One of the revelations of the tournament, Simon averaged more dribbles per match than any other player, and weighed in with a goal and an assist.

Where was this Simon during Rohr’s tenure?