Izuchukwu Okosi rates the performances of the Super Eagles players who on Saturday evening gave their all in a 3-2 win over Cameroon.
The Starters
Goalkeeper
Daniel Akpeyi : The goalkeeper was exposed a couple of times by his defence but thankfully the Nigerian attack outscored the Cameroonian attack. 4/10.
Defenders
Chidozie Awaziem : The right back did his job creditably and ventured upfront a few times and one of his crosses created the second goal scored by Odion Ighalo who profited from a beautifully chested pass by Ahmed Musa. 7/10.
Ola Aina : The Torino wingback had a solid performance on Saturday evening albeit he almost inadvertently turned in a Clinton Njie cross into his team’s net. 6.5/10.
William Troost Ekong : The central defender battled hard to contain the threat posed by Eric Choupo Moting and Stephane Bahogen. 6/10.
Kenneth Omeruo : Nigeria’s best defender by the miles. The Leganes defender cleared the ball many times and matched the Cameroonian attackers for sheer strength. Big thumbs up! 7.5/10.
Midfielders
Wilfred Ndidi : The Leicester midfield powerhouse broke up plays magnificently, supported the defence well. 7.5/10.
Oghenekaro Etebo : The Stoke City Player of the 2018/2019 season also lived up to the billing as Nigeria dealt with the physicality of the Indomitable Lions. The former Warri Wolves star showed lots of resilience. 6/10.
Alex Iwobi : The Arsenal winger who played in the attacking midfield role did not supply the passes sufficiently enough for the forwards but he had a better second half and scored his debut goal in the AFCON. 7/10.
Attackers
Ahmed Musa : The captain on the day was a threat down the left wing with his pace. Assisted Ighalo’s second goal with a chested pass. 7/10.
Moses Simon : Showed plenty of endeavour but his left footed shots cutting in from the right wing were predictable. Subbed off for Samuel Chukwueze. 6/10.
Odion Ighalo : The two-goal hero seems to enjoy playing the Cameroonians. He constantly troubled them and also assisted Iwobi’s goal. Tired out towards the end of the match. 9.5/10.
The Substitutes
Samuel Chukwueze : Brought on for Moses Simon and his pace and trickery brought panic in the Cameroonian bench as Clarence Seedorf and Patrick Kluivert brought on Andre-Frank Anguissa to nullify his threat. 7/10.
Paul Onuachu: Was brought on to replace a tired Odion Ighalo in the second half. His upper body strength was an advantage although he had few minutes to make an impact. NA
Leon Balogun : The Brighton man replaced Iwobi in stoppage time.NA
PS: This ratings was first published on All Nigeria Soccer website.
