The Nigeria Under-23s are through to the knock out round of the Rio 2016 Olympics courtesy of a 1-0 win over Sweden thanks to a headed goal from Sadiq Umar.
Owngoalnigeria.com rates the player on show for Nigeria.
Emmanuel Daniel: Just like the first half, had nothing at all to do between the sticks for Nigeria, didn’t make a single save as Sweden didn’t do anything meaningful in the Nigerian goal area….7/10
Shehu Abdullahi: Joined the attack more in the second half, linked up well with Ezekiel. His ability to defend and attack in equal measures is a plus to the Nigerian team….7/10
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Stanley Amuzie: Very good going forward and provided the assist for Umar, provided more of the same in the second half but still remained suspect when he needed to defend….6.5/10
Sincere Seth: Improved on his first half performance with some nice interceptions and coverage for the full backs, appears to be forging an understanding with Ekong in central defence….6/10
William Troost Ekong: Solid showing from the former Dutch youth international, you can’t fault his desire and he stepped it up with a commanding display in the second half ….7/10
Azubuike Okechukwu: Provides the stamina, does the dirty job and happy to play deep, allowing the likes of Mikel and Usman play ahead of him, was his usual self, although had a better second half ….7/10
Mikel Obi: The ease at which he has settled into his childhood role of playing as an attacking midfielder, has once again raised debates about if his move to Chelsea was the right move, came close to scoring twice and put in a very good shift until he was substituted ….7.5/10
Usman Mohammed: Salient achiever in the middle for Nigeria, kept the shape of the team with quick passes to set up attacks, knows when to play it simple or otherwise….7/10
Imoh Ezekiel: Livewire of the Nigerian team in attack, never scared of running at defenders, has pace to burn and also did a good job defensively as well, badly in need of a goal to crown his efforts so far….7.5/10
Ogenekaro Etebo: Had more shots on target than any other player on the pitch, unlucky not to get on the score sheet but as usual made his presence known with some strong energetic runs….6.5/10
Sadiq Umar: Got a rousing applause upon his substitution, a sign of how well he played, his goal won it for Nigeria and deservedly so as it secures progression to the next round…8.5/10
Substitutes:
Aminu Umar: Picked up a needless booking from a poorly timed tackle, didn’t play between the lines like the man he replaced Sadiq Umar and for the minutes he was on failed to get on same wavelength with his teammates….4/10
Kingsley Madu: Was brought on to aid Amuzie in defending but did very little defensively and offensively was wasteful when he had the ball….3/10
Ndifreke Udo: Slotted in perfectly at right back for Shehu Abdullahi, didn’t do much in terms of attacking but got the job done….5/10
