How each player fare against the African champions at the Jacques Lemans Arena.


Maduka Okoye (7/10)
Despite being beaten six minutes into his first Nigeria start, Okoye fared reasonably well as the game went on.
While many of his stops were quite basic, in fairness, they still needed saving and prevented Djamel Belmadi’s side from extending their early lead.


William Troost-Ekong (7/10)
Dealt reasonably well with Algeria’s attacks for most of the game, intercepting dangerous deliveries and clearing the ball away from harm’s way from time to time.
Troost-Ekong lost the duel with Rami Bensebaini which ultimately led to the North Africans' sixth-minute goal, possibly the only black mark on the Watford centre-back's showing. Booked in the first half.


Leon Balogun (6.5/10)
The second half of the famed ‘Oyibo Wall’ returned to the Super Eagles XI and was decent for the duration of the encounter.
Progressed the ball with some driving runs in the opening half, which wasn’t sustained for the entirety of the game.


Tyronne Ebuehi (5.5/10)
Ebuehi didn’t offer as much attacking impetus as debutant Zaidu Sanusi on his return to the Super Eagles. Sometimes struggled to cope with Said Benrahma. Had an effort on the hour which flashed just wide.


Zaidu Sanusi (6/10)
The left-back was impressive in the first 45 minutes in the green jersey, offering the sort of attacking zest that Nigerians have craved for years.
Created a big chance for Paul Onuachu in the first-half with a lovely cross, but his level dropped in the second half.


Frank Onyeka (5/10)
Was sometimes progressive in his play but was taken off after the half-time whistle, lasting only 45 minutes on his international bow.


Semi Ajayi (5.5/10)
Was useful in aerial duels but the decision to start the West Bromwich Albion defender in central midfield wasn’t justified.


Alex Iwobi (8/10)
Had an ambitious effort in the opening half flash just wide and he linked play impressively before half-time.
However, the Everton man’s level deteriorated significantly after the interval, with several easy passes going off-kilter in the second half. Surprisingly stayed on for 85 minutes.


Samuel Chukwueze (6/10)
The Villarreal wide attacker had a lively first half as his pace and direct running posed problems for the Algeria backline.
This wasn’t sustained after the break and he was eventually replaced by Ahmed Musa with 15 minutes to play.


Samuel Kalu (6/10)
Was unfortunately withdrawn early having sustained an injury but he combined well with Sanusi in the first 45.
Had one overly zealous effort go way over the crossbar and another comfortably saved.


Paul Onuachu (5.5/10)
The towering Genk forward occupied the centre-backs and was a willing runner until his withdrawal. Missed two presentable opportunities — created by Sanusi and from a Chukwueze corner — before Kelechi Iheanacho replaced him in the 67th minute.
Was frustratingly caught offside on a few occasions.


Mikel Agu (5/10)
Was clumsy in possession and seemed off the pace in the defensive third. Wasn’t the performance he would have wanted having not played for the West Africans since 2018.


Moses Simon (5.5/10)
Simon wasn’t really productive, but it wasn’t for the want of trying.
He drove forward on the left-wing intermittently after replacing Kalu, however, the Nantes attacker was unsuccessful with his final ball.


Kelechi Iheanacho (5/10)
Didn’t offer enough in an attacking sense after coming on for Onuachu.
Very nearly equalized at the death but his free-kick from the far right couldn’t creep in.

​
​Kevin Akpoguma (5/10)
The Hoffenheim wide defender replaced Ebuehi with about 20 minutes to play for his maiden cap.
Had little influence on proceedings as Nigeria chased the equalizer.


​Ahmed Musa (N/A)
Didn't play a significant part in the game after coming on with 15 minutes to play.


Samson Tijani (N/A)
Replaced Iwobi with four minutes of normal time remaining