Nigeria are back in the race to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations after a 3-0 win over Seychelles. Owngoalnigeria.com rates the players on show for Nigeria
Francis Uzoho – Didn’t have anything meaningful to do during the course of the game. Hard to rate his performance particularly as he was virtually on holiday.
Chidozie Awaziem – Ventured high up the pitch from his right full back position. Committed a foul after losing his man in his attempt to cover up for Brian Idowu. Took his goal with the calmness of a striker…. 7 / 10
Bryan Idowu – Looked uncomfortable in possession and once again fail to impress with his cross into the box. Should have done more considering he wasn’t under any pressure…. 6/10
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Kenneth Omeruo – Struggled to cope when under pressure. Picked up a needless booking for a foul caused by his failure to properly time his challenge. Not quite the same level he was at the World Cup…. 6/10
Leon Balogun – As usual, he was calm and assured in possession. However it appears like the poor pitch limited his abilities on the ball. Still stood out for Nigeria in defence…. 7 / 10
Ogenyi Onazi – Won possession for Nigeria severally but still didn’t convince with his ball distribution. Had a better game than his previous display for Nigeria…. 7.5/10
Wilfred Ndidi – Known for his work rate and success with tackles. He did both but didn’t influence the game like many thought he would…. 7/10
Kelechi Iheanacho – Played behind the main striker but bar his free kick effort which Awaziem rebounded nicely for Awaziem to score Nigeria’s second. He didn’t convince…. 6/10
Samuel Kalu – Man of the match. He was lively and full of confidence. Didn’t play like it was his debut with his willingness to take on his man earning him a spot kick from which Nigeria scored the third goal…. 8.5/10
Ahmed Musa – Troubled the defence of Seychelles with his application of raw pace and skills. Unfortunate to see his shot comes off the goalkeeper for the own goal which gave Nigeria the lead. A captain performance from the captain of the day…. 8/10
Odion Ighalo – Scored from the spot to end his goal drought for Nigeria but he was also guilty of missed chances. Should have scored at least a brace…. 6.5/10
Substitutes:
Oghenekaro Etebo – Took over the set piece duty of the team but didn’t create anything meaningful from it. Many expected more from him…. 5/10
Semi Ajayi – Made his senior debut for Nigeria, five years after failing to make the cut for the U-20s to the World Youth Championship. He didn’t offer same depth like Awaziem did at right back obviously due to the fact that he was playing in an unfamiliar position….6/10
Henry Onyekuru – Many wondered why he didn’t start and he obviously proved them right to an extent with a performance full of twist, turns and pace. No doubt he has played his way into a starting position in their next game….6.5/10
Joel James reporting from Seychelles
