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Afcon 2019: Nigeria v Guinea Player Ratings - Omeruo stars as Ighalo struggles

It was a huge relief to see him back on the field of play. However, he barely had time to break into a jog.

Samuel Kalu: N/A

Paul Onuachu: N/A

Samuel Chukwueze: N/A

From the highs of Burundi to this. An early chance, when he was taken by surprise by a promising cut-back, set the tone. His decision to selfishly go for goal when the square pass to a wide-open Musa was on robbed the Super Eagles of a more comfortable cushion. Nothing stuck, and he often made the wrong runs.

Odion Ighalo: 4/10

A weak showing for the captain on the day, as he was largely a non-factor. Aside two very promising runs which culminated in foiled cutbacks to Ighalo, Musa did little of note here.

Ahmed Musa: 4.5/10

Started very brightly, and was full of daring and trickery on the right. Faded as an attacking force as the game wore on, however, but covered the out-of-position Awaziem very well and swung in the corner for the winner.

Moses Simon: 6/10

This was pretty much Iwobi's poorest performance in Nigeria colours. Gave the ball away constantly, and always seemed hesitant. Yet, he drew two great saves from the Guinean goalkeeper, and did a splendid job shutting down Amadou Diawara. That has to count for something.

Alex Iwobi: 5/10

The sense which persists with Ndidi is that he could be the complete midfielder if he could expand his passing technique. He did everything else here, sometimes even covering two men at once, showcasing both his intelligence and his stamina. Did a superb job shutting down Naby Keita.

Wilfred Ndidi: 7/10

His energy was crucial in the intensity of the opening stages, and he did excellently protecting the ball and playing the first pass out. Exposed when trying more expansive actions, but did his job about as well as could have been requested.

Oghenekaro Etebo: 6/10

Almost unbeatable at right-back here, and he relished the intensity early on. Cut out the fouls from the last game, and was positionally impeccable. Offered little going forward, perhaps understandably.

Chidozie Awaziem: 6/10

A composed, solid display from the Torino man. Handled himself very well defensively, and looked technically accomplished. It has been a real coming-of-age for Aina in Alexandria.

Ola Aina: 5/10

Remarkably, having come into Afcon as a back-up centre-back, Omeruo has been an ever-present in Egypt. Here, he was brilliant, getting in the way of everything, pulling off crucial interceptions. His sense of positioning, and his ability to defend what is in front of him, was top notch. Came up big at the other end as well with a towering header.

Kenneth Omeruo: 8/10

The veteran was a steady, guiding hand. Made one crucial intervention in the first half to clean up behind his bypassed partner. A model of efficiency, and also showed his now trademark bravery in possession.

Leon Balogun: 6/10

The Kaizer Chiefs man had precious little to do on the day, but still contrived to look shaky even when all he had to deal with was daisycutters from long range. Hopefully, a second clean sheet on the bounce will do his confidence a world of good.

Daniel Akpeyi: 4/10

Afcon 2019: Nigeria v Guinea Player Ratings - Omeruo stars as Ighalo struggles | Goal.com

Nigeria edged Guinea at the Alexandria Stadium on Wednesday to secure their spot in the knockout round of Afcon