Nigeria warmed up for their upcoming engagement at the World Cup in Russia with a high profile game against England, which they lost 1-2 at Wembley no thanks to a slow start.
Owngoalnigeria.com Michael James who watched the game live at the new Wembley stadium rates the Nigerian on parade for the Eagles who conceded goals scored by Gary Cahill and Harry Kane before Alex Iwobi pulled a goal back for Nigeria.
Francis Uzoho – Easily the best Nigerian player on parade although should have done better for the goal scored by Harry Kane. Made seven saves in the game, a huge tally for a 19 year old playing in just his fourth international game….. 7/10
Shehu Abdullahi – Won tackles but poor positioning and usage of balls made him a liability for the duration he was on. He could losing his starting berth on the strength of Tyronne Ebuehi’s display in the second half….. 4/10
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Brian Idowu – Provided cover for the centre backs when they were all over the places. Made some decisive tackles and blocks but looks heavily uncomfortable with the ball at his feet….. 5/10
William Troost-Ekong – Looks like a disaster waiting to happen in the first half as he was caught out of position severally by the runs of Raheem Sterling. Had a better second half display but still looks suspect….. 5.5/10
Leon Balogun – He was the only defender in the colours of Nigeria who had a decent half. Drove forward with ease, read and intercept plays with well times tackles. Replaced in the second half, a move which seems like a plan to keep him fresh and injury free before the World Cup….. 5.5/10
Ogenyi Onazi – Guilty of giving away possession in key areas of the pitch which led to the second goal scored by England. Failed to connect nicely with Joel Obi in the midfield and it was no surprise that the Nigerian team improved following his substitution….. 3/10
Joel Obi – The worst player in the colours of Nigeria in the first half and probably the entire game. Slow in almost everything he should do. Hard to see him make the World Cup team on the strength of his showing today….. 2/10
Mikel Obi – Lost Gary Cahill for the first goal scored by England and didn’t get going until the second half. Struggled to keep up with the pace of the game. However his impact was still felt especially when the Eagles seized the initiative in the second half….. 6/10
Victor Moses – Still in holiday mood base on his display. Moses failed to influence the game like he has done in previous Super Eagles games. At both end of the pitch he was a big minus to the Nigerian team….. 4/10
Odion Ighalo – Did well to get his shot away for Alex Iwobi to score the rebound and also had two efforts on target. He however looked a bit heavy and slow for the fast paced English defenders….. 5/10
Alex Iwobi – Drove the Eagles forward with neat and smart footwork. Deservedly scored Nigeria’s only goal of the game which also went into the record books as Nigeria’s first against England. Should play more in the midfield….. 6.5/10
Substitutes :
John Ogu – Playing as one of the three centre backs in Nigeria’s 3-5-2 formation in the second half. He showed why most Nigerians are clamouring for him to start games with his calmness and ability to play the ball out of the back with precision. Also impressed with his tackles and position….. 6/10
Kenneth Omeruo – Didn’t look out of place in the 3-5-2 set up in the second half. Solid in aerial duels but didn’t do enough to initiate attack from the rare with the ball at his feet….. 5/10
Tyronne Ebuehi – He was Everything Abdullahi wasn’t in the first half. His runs were timed to perfection, his deliveries were spot on and his pace aided his impressive showing as a wing back following his introduction in the second half….. 6/10
Oghenekaro Etebo – Played as one of the midfielders in the Eagles second half set up and his work rate in pressing England high up the pitch played a part in Nigeria clawing their way back into the game….. 5/10
Ahmed Musa – Injected pace and directness to the Eagles attack but didn’t offer anything meaningful in terms of threatening the goal of England…..3/10
Kelechi Iheanacho – Didn’t do enough to earn a rating. No thanks to the few minutes he played.
