How did Gernot Rohr’s troops fare against the Crocodiles as the West African giants ended their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign unbeaten?

Francis Uzoho (5.5/10) 

Had little to do on his return to the Nigeria side after over a year away. Made a fine save from a dangerous first-half free-kick.

Tyronne Ebuehi (6/10) 

Offered more going forward than Ola Aina did against Benin in the penultimate game of the group.

The right-back was strangely often ignored by Samuel Chukwueze on his forward forays.

William Troost-Ekong (5.5/10) 

Nigeria’s stand-in captain was sloppy in possession early on and gave away a dangerous free-kick on the half-hour.

His blushes were spared by Uzoho, however, but it wasn’t as comfortable an outing as it was against Benin.

Leon Balogun (6.5/10) 

Recovered from two early errors in quick succession to give an acceptable showing. He dealt with Lesotho’s long balls when necessary.

The centre-back had a late header cleared off the line.

Zaidu Sanusi (5/10) 

The left-back was at times shaky defensively and didn’t connect with Alex Iwobi as effectively as observers thought pre-game.

Was replaced early in the second half after sustaining an injury.

Wilfred Ndidi (7.5/10) 

Dominated in midfield and evidently has a better understanding with Oghenekaro Etebo than Joe Aribo, whose strengths aren’t magnified in a two-man midfield.

Ndidi recovered possession a few times, broke up play nicely and played forward passes when required.

Oghenekaro Etebo (7.5/10) 

The on-loan Galatasaray midfielder demonstrated why he’s a better fit in a two-man midfield than Aribo.

Etebo’s tenacity in the middle of the park was reassuring and his ball-carrying took Nigeria upfield from time to time against the Crocodiles.

Deserved his goal and could have had another but his effort hit the crossbar.

Samuel Chukwueze (5/10) 

Seemed to overcomplicate promising situations all evening and didn’t combine with Ebuehi adequately for the entirety of the match.

Replaced in the game’s closing stages.

Alex Iwobi (6/10) 

While the expected link-up with Sanusi seldom bore fruit, the Everton playmaker still contributed to the host nation’s attacking play with smart passes and intelligent positioning.

Kelechi Iheanacho (7/10) 

Assisted Victor Osimhen’s goal with a clever ball over the top and was involved in the move for the team’s third.

However, he and Osimhen combined infrequently as the game wore on, which resurrects questions over Gernot Rohr’s insistence on deploying the Leicester City forward as a playmaker, rather than a second, withdrawn striker.

Victor Osimhen (8/10) 

The Napoli frontman put Saturday’s showing in Benin behind him with his fifth goal in qualifying.

He unselfishly set up Etebo’s strike after the break and had an earlier strike ruled out for offside.

In possession, he ran the channels well while he pressed tenaciously off the ball.

Deservedly named man of the match after an impressive all-round showing.

Jamilu Collins (6/10) 

Replaced the injured Sanusi shortly after half-time and gave an acceptable performance.

Paul Onuachu (6/10) 

The target man replaced Osimhen with 16 minutes to play and netted brilliantly to score his second Nigeria goal in a matter of days after Saturday’s dramatic header vs Benin.

Henry Onyekuru (6/10) 

The Monaco loanee assisted Onuachu’s strike minutes after replacing Alex Iwobi in the 74th minute.

Ahmed Musa (N/A) 

Musa replaced Iheanacho with four minutes of normal time to play.

Anayo Iwuala (N/A)

The Enyimba wide attacker replaced Chukwueze in the final minutes of the encounter in Lagos.

source:- goal