Ghana player ratings vs Nigeria: Baba and Afena-Gyan impress as Ayew disappoints

Was not only unusually very composed between the sticks but pulled off some decent saves to deny Nigeria in the first half, particularly Moses Simon’s goal-bound shot.

On his debut for the Black Stars, the former Belgium international looked unnerved by the occasion, keeping Simon at bay, and making offensive runs when required.

That he kept Samuel Chukwueze quite all through the game highlights his fine defensive performance at left-back.

It was a strong display as commander-in-chief of Ghana’s backline from the Leicester City man. Communicated well with his central defensive partner, organised his unit well and put a tight clip on Nigeria dangerman Victor Osimhen.

The France-born defender produced a solid display at the back as partner to Amartey. Came up with some very important clearances to help his side keep a clean sheet.

The Real Mallorca defensive midfielder put up arguably his best performance in a Ghana shirt, falling deep to receive and start Ghana’s build-ups for what produced a temporary back-three unit when in force. Tackled strongly at the centre of the pitch, but his late handball, which led to a penalty that was ultimately overruled by the video assistant referee, was a huge scare.

The Arsenal man coordinated Ghana’s midfield well but for what he has shown at club level recently, a lot more was expected from him. Looked out of steam early in the second half.

The Ajax attacker was almost out of the match in the first half but raised his game after the break to cause the opposition some real discomfort with his creative skills.

But for a powerful shot to draw a save from Francis Uzoho in goal for the Super Eagles, new Sporting Club winger Issahaku had little impact on the game. Was slow in decision making, poor in picking the right positions and failed to track the run of the overlapping Zaidu Sanusi on multiple occasions when Nigeria attacked. Appeared out of sync with Odoi down the right.

It was another bad day at the office for the Crystal Palace striker who started on the left wing before briefly moving centrally in the second half. Tucked in on many occasions when width was rather probably needed, mostly failed to track the overlapping runs of Ola Aina when Nigeria attacked, delivered multiple poor set pieces and lacked precision in his attempts to find the back of the net.

The 19-year-old Roma striker was a constant threat for the Nigeria defence, particularly the slow Leon Balogun. Held up play well and could have ended the day with an assist had Uzoho not kept out Issahaku’s powerful shot. His lack of experience, though, showed quite evidently in key moments.

Came on for Issahaku with 11 minutes to go; produced some good runs down the right and had he been a bit calmer and more precise with his final balls, he could have given Ghana a late goal or assist.

Replaced the injured Afena-Gyan in the 82nd minute. Despite his limited game time, he had some opportunities to produce moments of brilliance but failed to shine.

Took the place of Ayew late in injury time. Not rated.