The Super Eagles of Nigeria played out a 1-1 draw against Algeria in the final game of their successful campaign in the World Cup 2018 Qualifiers in Constantine.
Owngoalnigeria.com rates the players on parade for Nigeria in the game which means they ended the World Cup Qualifiers without a loss.
Ikechukwu Ezenwa – Looked quite confident and comfortable especially with the ball at his feet. Dropped a harmless corner kick which almost gifted the Algerians a goal, and time after time failed to deal with routine crosses into the box….. 5/10
Shehu Abdullahi – He is for now the undisputed choice at right back for Nigeria. Solid in tackles, assured in possession and good going forward as well, unlucky to have conceded the controversial penalty which helped Algeria draw level….. 8/10
Related Post
Ola Aina – Targeted by the Algerians but coped well with the threat of Mahrez. Did a good job mopping up balls for the Eagles when they push forward for set pieces….. 7/10
Leon Balogun – Started the game on a shaky note but recovered to put in a captain performance on a night when he went into the record books as the man to play for Nigeria wearing a protective mask….. 7.5/10
William Troost-Ekong – His pace is obviously his main asset but the Bursaspor man also showed another side of his game which is ability to read and intercept play….. 8/10
Ogehenekaro Etebo – Looked lost in the first half and didn’t help the cause of Nigeria in attack.. The man of the match in the reverse tie fail to justify his inclusion in the starting line up…. 5/10
John Ogu – Scored a spectacular curler. Looked very assured in possession and not scared of putting his body on the line. His ball distribution as well was top notch. Obviously a candidate to start against Argentina….. 8.5/10
Wilfred Ndidi – Showed clearly the reason why he has won more tackles and also made most interception than any player in England this season. Covered almost every blade of the pitch. Had a very lively game….. 8/10
Alex Iwobi – Struggled badly with the poor state of the pitch. Misplaced passes he would ordinary complete with ease and also look possession carelessly. No thanks to the poor playing surface….. 6.5/10
Kelechi Iheanacho – Worked really hard and didn’t look out of place playing from the right of attack, although it limited him from getting into goal scoring position where his finishing abilities would have been utilise….. 6.5/10
Anthony Nwakaeme – Strong and willing to run down the channel , he however looked isolated upfront and didn’t get enough service to wreck havoc, moved to the left flank before he was taken off….. 6/10
Substitutes:
Henry Onyekuru : Came in for Nwakaeme and tried to get involve in play but didn’t have enough time to make his mark in the game. Looked lively though….. 3.5/10
Ahmed Musa : Didn’t do enough to earn a rating
Osas Mahawi
