The Black Stars of Ghana according to experts were impressive even though the game ended in a goaless draw at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
Both sides rarely converted their chances into a decision-maker for a spot at the 2022 World in Qatar, however a VAR decision rescinded a penalty awarded to the super eagles of Nigeria in the 79th minute.
Players such as Felix Afena-Gyan, Alexander Djiku and Gideon Mensah demonstrated class and showed glimpses of quality.
Below are the ratings.
Felix Afena-Gyan 8/10: What an excellent display of performance and quality. The 19-year old AS Roma striker was a force to reckon with for the Nigeria defensive pair Troost Ekong and Leon Balogan throughout the game. His hold-ups were superb and his pace was electrifying. Ghana has a future with him if he remains in form.
Kudus Mohammed 5/10: Regardless of his lack of playing time at Ajax Amsterdam, the young chap Kudus dominated the midfield for the Black Stars and was instrumental in the few chances Ghana created. One of the best for the Black Stars in the first leg of the game.
Jordan Ayew 5/10: The striker struggled to get himself in the game. The Crystal Palace player couldn't get the supplies he was craving to convert them into the back of the net throughout his stay on the pitch. Missed a few chsnces also.
Baba Iddrisu 4/10: The young defender who plays far away in Spain for Mallorca breathed a huge sigh of relief after a VAR overturned a penalty kick for Nigeria from a mistake he made. He however was exceptional and played his heart out in front of the back four with excellent interceptions and disruptive play.
Thomas Partey 6/10: Leading the charge as Captain, the Arsenal midfielder was excellent. Although he was expected to take charge and propel the team from midfield for glory, it wasn't a good day for him as he failed to create anything meaningful from his position and gave the ball away a lot of times.
Fatawu Issahaku 6/10: Sporting CP's midfielder displayed excellent class and was one of the brightest Sparks in the first half. He made daunting incursions into the super eagles half.
Alexander Djiku 7/10: The Strasbourg defender was one if the stars for the night and never made a wrong footing in the game. Ghana's dominance in possession was engineered by this chap. His defensive qualities prevented the super eagles from putting the ball in the net.
Daniel Amartey 5/10: His experience laced with Djiku's youthful exuberance helped the Black Stars to keep a clean sheet heading to the second leg in Abuja on Tuesday. The Leceister City defender was on top of his game. He created a barrier and was footy by preventing most of the dangerous balls from his opponents.
Gideon Mensah 6/10: Took the place of the injured Baba Rahman and owned up the left back position with a spirited performance. Much as he stopped the Villarreal's Chukweze perfectly well, he was able to get the Nigerian on a couple of occasions to deliver crosses.
Dennis Odoi 5/10: Club Brugge's defender wouldn't have asked for a better debut. Many were doubtful of his call because of age but he literally shamed his critics. He made calculated runs into the Nigerian half and was rarely troubled on the right by Moses Simon. Discipline, focus and excellence was part of him.
Jojo Wallacot 5/10: The goalie for the Black Stars was impressive looking at his performance from the AFCON. He made good saves and kept a clean sheet for the Black Stars of Ghana.
Thd return leg will be played on Tuesday, 29th March in Abuja and will be the decider for one of West African's team to play in Qatar.
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