Aina and Bassey: Comparing Nigeria's top 2 defensive performers against Cote d'Ivoire

Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey were two of Nigeria’s best performers as the Super Eagles reignited their AFCON 2023 campaign with a much-needed win against Cote d’Ivoire.

The two versatile players helped to form an impenetrable five-man wall as Nigeria defeated the hosts 1-0 in the Group A clash on Thursday evening. 

In a match that Nigeria needed to win or avoid defeat, the Premier League-based superstars proved why they play in the most popular league in the world.

Super Eagles skipper, William Troost-Ekong, scored the key winner from the penalty spot but the duo of Aina and Bassey ended the encounter as legitimate candidates for man of the match. 

Pulse Sports compares both players who were excellent for over 90 minutes as Nigeria held off a star-studded Ivorian team to get off the mark in the AFCON 2023.

A look at their respective performance stats against the Elephants shows Bassey had six (6) tackles, three (3) clearances, and one interception.

The Fulham defender completed six (6) ground duels and three (3) aerial duels and was not dribble past at all.

Aina had four (4) tackles, two (2) clearances, and one interception, with five (5) ground duels, 100% of his aerial duel and like his teammate, was not dribbled past at all. 

In terms of on the ball, Bassey completed 69 of his passes, had 53 touches on the ball and completed five (5) long balls from 10 attempts.

His opposite number, Aina, completed 71% of his passes, had 40 touches on the ball, one long ball from two attempts, created one chance and made one key pass.