Player Ratings- Payne is magisterial; Okoronkwo and Kanu shine

The Super Falcons took on Cape Verde on Thursday, and they put up a solid show to claim the victory

Nigeria’s Super Falcons trounced Cape Verde 5-0 in the first leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying round, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Falcons were without some of their best stars, but they put up a solid performance to make sure they grabbed the much-needed victory.

Esther Okoronkwo and Uchenna scored two goals each, and Gift Monday also contributed one. Soccernet.ng rates the performances of the players that did the business for the Super Falcons.

Chiamaka Nnadozie 8/10: Nnadozie did not not have much to do in the game because Nigeria dominated the fixture. She made one big save in the first half. But aside from that, she was reassuring in goal.

Tosin Demehin 7/10: The Super Falcons star had a solid game. She hardly let anything pass her, and she had a good connection with Ohale in Nigeria’s defence.

Akudo Ogbonna 8/10: Ogbonna was decent at fullback. She did not have much defensive work, and she did not offer much in attack aside from her assist. Nonetheless, it was a decent showing from her.

Rofiat Imuran 7/10: Imuran had a good game. Just like the other defenders, she had very little defensive work to do. She was more adventurous than Akudo on the right. Imuran also had an assist.

Osinachi Ohale 8/10: Ohale was the leader from behind. She had a cooling effect on Nigeria’s backline, as she was very solid. She showed great understanding with Akudo and Demehin.

Peace Efih 7/10: Efih had a decent game. But she looked off on some occasions and her passing could have been better. Still it was a good performance from the midfielder

Rasheedat Ajibade 7/10: Ajibade was a constant threat for Nigeria in attack. She used her skill and pace to disturb the Cape Verde defence and could have scored if not for the goalkeeper.

Toni Payne 8/10: Payne had a very good performance, she held down the creative position and showed good understanding with the attackers. Her decision making was also on point.

Deborah Abiodun 7.5/10: Abiodun put up yet another solid performance in Nigeria’s midfield. Her work rate was brilliant, and she ensured that the Super Falcons dominated the fixture.

Uchenna Kanu 8/10: Kanu had a superb performance. She had two goals to her name, both of which highlighted her quality. She was off occasionally, but it was still a decent performance.

Gift Monday 7.6/10: Monday had a very good game. She also scored for the Super Falcons. She was very lively in attack, and kept the Cape Verde attackers on their feet with her runs.

Esther Okoronkwo 8.5: Okoronkwo had a great game for Nigeria. She was had just 45 minutes, but she used her time well, and scored two goals. She also looked very sharp in Nigeria’s attack.