Paul Onuachu’s solitary effort proved enough for Nigeria to come away victorious at the Stephen Keshi stadium on Tuesday.
the Super Eagles on show :
The Starters
Goalkeeper
Daniel Akpeyi: Commanded his area very well during his time on the pitch and rarely looked troubled. (7/10)
Defenders
Abdullahi Shehu: Full of running on the right flank and tracked back as well to help out in defence. (7.5/10)
Leon Balogun: Astute showing yet again from the Brighton man. Covered every blade of grass and was an imposing presence. (8.5/10)
William Troost-Ekong: Ever dependable. Complimented his defensive partner in a way Nigerians have come to cherish. (8/10)
Jamilu Collins: Kept his composure yet again and was not found wanting.(7/10)
Midfielders
John Ogu: Kept Mohamed Elneny in check and looked to stamp his authority in the middle of the park. Swirled in a long ball over the top for Onuachu to latch onto for his assist before he was forced off with an injury. (7.5/10)
Wilfred Ndidi: Started quietly and soon grew into the encounter. Kept the ball well and made advances when necessary. Tried a couple of headers too. (7/10)
Alex Iwobi: Much improved performance from Iwobi. Tried to connect well with the attackers to mixed results but a good showing nonetheless. Sent a weak short straight at Gannesh. (7/10)
Attackers
Moses Simon: Made some impressive darts and turns and was very much the part. Forced the opposition goalkeeper into a save from a set piece. (7/10)
Henry Onyekuru: Delightful to watch down the right channel and looked to drive past his markers with some guile. Eye-catching. (7.5/10)
Paul Onuachu: The big striker wowed the fans with his silky touches and hold-up play which was top-notch.
Rattled home a screamer into the top corner with less than a minute of play. (9/10)
The Substitutes
Ikechukwu Ezenwa: Pulled off a top drawer save to deny Amr Wada and yet showed great reflex to stop Islam Gaber from the follow up. (8/10)
Semi Ajayi: Replaced Ogu and seamlessly tucked into the middle. (6/10)
Odion Ighalo: Showed strength to shield away a marker in the ending moments. Had little time to make any meaningful impact. (NA)
Ndifreke Effiong: Came on to add fresh legs.
Ikouwem Udo: A very late addition.
Emmanuel Chinaza
