The Nigerian team to the African Nations Championship in Morocco picked up their first win of the Championship by beating Libya 1-0 in their second group game.
Enterprising forward Sunday Faleye got the lone goal of the game, which gave Nigeria all three points and also ensure to move top of the group with four points.
Owngoalnigeria.com Osas Mahawi rates the players on parade for Nigeria in the game, with scores for each player out of ten.
Ikechukwu Ezenwa – The goalkeeper and captain of the Nigerian team didn’t have any trouble at all as Nigeria kept the Libyans at bay. However he showed good command of his area when dealing with balls into his box….. 6.5/10
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Osas Okoro – Looked suspect all through the game but still put up a steady show at right back. Still looked lost playing as a full back as he has played the majority of his career as a right winger. Delivered the corner kick from which Nigeria scored….. 5/10
Daniel James – His long throw was a threat all through the game and his ability to join the attack also helped goal scorer Sunday Faleye to play with him when he needs to play with a teammate. Need to work on his crosses though….. 6/10
Stephen Eze – Wasted a very good chance to put Nigeria ahead early into the game, but was massive all through at the back for Nigeria. Dealt with almost everything thrown at the team in the air. Very brave when going into challenges….. 6/10
Kalu Orji – Picked up a needless yellow card for a careless tackle. Looked very calm in possession and eager to play the ball out of defence with confidence. Flicked the cross which lead to Nigeria’s only goal….. 6.5/10
Emeka Atuloma – Had a decent but far from spectacular outing in the midfield. Although he covered lot of ground for his team. Improved after the game but didn’t do enough to influence it….. 6/10
Ifeanyi Ifeanyi – He did well in this encounter considering how poor he was in the first game against Rwanda. He however still need to work on initiating attacks as he is guilty of not releasing the ball early as well as holding on to it unnecessarily….. 5.5/10
Rabiu Ali – The 37 year old Kano Pillars legend was no where near the level he was in the first game. Looked uninterested and out of pace throughout the game. Surprised he lasted the entire duration of the game….. 4.5/10
Emeka Ogbugh – A big miss offensively and defensively. He occupied space on the pitch and was highly ineffective from both flanks. Another who was a passenger throughout the game….. 4.5/10
Sunday Faleye – The engine room of the team. Lively, daring and pacy. He deservedly got the goal that secured all three points for Nigeria. Here is hoping that the injury which lead to his substitution isn’t as bad as feared….. 8/10
Anthony Okpotu – Committed four fouls, more than any player on the pitch for Nigeria. Considering the fact that he is suppose to be the arrow head of the team, his foul count is surprisingly bad for a striker. The worst player on the pitch for Nigeria….. 3/10
Substitutes :
Dayo Ojo – Got himself booked, although he looked like he took one for the team as the Libyans were trying to initiate a counter attack moments after he came on. He recovered from what was a poor start to bring stability to the midfield….. 4/10
Ibrahim Mustapha – Looked lively but failed to take responsibility when he opt to pass the boy to Faleye in the box, when a shot at goal would have been better….. 3.5/10
Austin Oladapo – He didn’t do enough to earn a rating.
Osas Mahawi
