The senior national team of Nigeria were yesterday beaten by Central Africa Republic (CAR) 0-1 in what was a lackluster performance by the Gernot Rohr tutored side.
Owngoalnigeria.com rates the worst among the flops in the game which was played at the Teslim Balogun stadium in
Lagos.
Francis Uzoho – Did keep the Super Eagles in the game with a fantastic save and could do nothing about the goal he conceded. Distributed the ball nicely to help build play from the back. A futile attempt it was as those in possession fail to make use of it…..6/10
Ola Aina – Went forward with intent. Looks assured defensively as well. Was one of the liveliest in what was a boring first half. Caught out of position for the goal scored by CAR…..4/10
Jamilu Collins – Saw lot of the balls and tried to turn defence into attack but final ball didn’t click for him in the opponent’s half. Should have joined the attack more often particularly as CAR sat deep…..4/10
Leon Balogun – Moved the ball out from the back with authority. Played severally long balls to spur the team into attack but most were wayward. At fault for the goal conceded by the team…..3/10
William Ekong – His distribution as always was wayward but his energy and determination means he will always have a spot on this team. Played a part in the goal conceded by Nigeria alongside Balogun they failed to clear what should be a routine clearance…..4/10
Frank Onyeka – He was neat and tidy in mopping up loose balls and also decent in terms of pass completion. However didn’t take up promising position in attack even when CAR sat deep in their half…..4/10
Joe Aribo – Showed flashes of his real talent but didn’t quite live it up to the fullest. Should have done better with his final ball in the box. Yet to match the height with which he started his international career for Nigeria where he scored two goals in two games…..4/10
Kelechi Iheanacho – Looked lost and didn’t look at home in the number ten role. Slowed down promising counter attacks and it wasn’t a surprise when he was hooked at half time although it looked like he took a knock. Team became better in transition after his substitution…..2/10
Moses Simon – Dovetailed nicely with Aina and they were the surest route to goal in the first half but he should have done better with the three corner kicks he delivered in the first half and also choosing to shot when a cross would have been the best approach as Osimhen was free in the box…..5/10
Chidera Ejuke – Went past his markers with ease but never looked threatening as his one touch too many style enabled the opposition to regroup and deny him space to wreck havoc…..3/10
Victor Osimhen – He was lively and sharp without the ball but disappointed with it at his feet. Missed a sitter when he headed wide in the box. Had an effort which came off the bar. By his standard this wasn’t a good performance…..4/10
Substitutes:
Taiwo Awoniyi – Added urgency to the attack of the team. Missed a clear chance to give Nigeria the lead which proved costly at the end. Held up play nicely though…..4/10
Samuel Kalu – No where near his best and he was guilty of making several heavy touches for the time he was on. Lost possession easily as well…..2/10
Ahmed Musa – Tried to motivate the team following his introduction but at that time the game was fully stretched. He should start the next game…..4/10