The senior national team of Nigeria were roundly beaten by World Cup bound Portugal 4-0 in an international friendly at a sold out Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon. The game was their final tune up game before heading to the World Cup.
OwnGoalNigeria.com rates the players on display for Nigeria in what was their heaviest loss in over 20 years.
Francis Uzoho – He wasn’t at fault for any of the goals the team conceded and twice bailed them out with two really good saves in the second half. He even rescued Etebo from scoring a bizzare own goal…… 5/10
Bright Osayi-Samuel – The one positive to take from the game and was unlucky to give away a penalty for handball. Didn’t look like a player who was making his debut. Solid in tackles, decisive in attack and one of his rare forays earned Nigeria the penalty which was missed by Emmanuel Dennis….. 6/10
Calvin Bassey – Not sure if he is fully fit as he looked rusty in possession. Went missing for the first goal scored by Portugal and only showed glimpses of his worth in the second half…… 4/10
William Troost Ekong – Solid but not spectacular. Won a lot in the air and also on the ground. Surprisingly confident in possession but didn’t show any form of understanding with his partner Akpoguma…… 5/10
Kevin Akpoguma – Didn’t look comfortable with the ball at his feet. Won all of his duels, there is however still no understanding with Ekong who was his partner in central defence. It was clear to see all game long……. 4/10
Wilfred Ndidi – Appeared lost in his bid to interpret what the coach wants in this very complex system. Struggled to get going and it didn’t come as a surprise when he was subbed off before the commencement of the second half……. 2/10
Joe Aribo – He had a very lively first half with his desire to drive the team forward. Went missing in the second half without getting to be on same wavelength with Terem Moffi…… 4/10
Alex Iwobi – Showed why he is so highly rated at Everton this season. Extremely composed on the ball, works really hard off it and also picked his passes with ease. He stood out in the middle…… 5/10
Moses Simon – Had a very quiet game made worse with two poorly taken corner kicks. Used his energy to bail the team in defending and also initiating attack but nothing came out of his endeavors……. 4/10
Ademola Lookman – Not the player setting the Serie A on fire with goals this season. He certainly didn’t look it. Sluggish in possession and also a liability in defending. Didn’t return from the dressing room after the break…… 2/10
Terem Moffi – Not fair to judge him when he didn’t get enough service to wreck damage. Ran around and as expected became tired from not getting involved…….. 3/10
Subs:
Samuel Chukwueze: Very lively and came closest to reducing the deficit for Nigeria from open play. He still need to work on his decision making in key moments…… 5/10
Frank Onyeka – The tank like he is called helped stabilized the team before the late collaspe. He looked more at home in the Peseiro’s system than Ndidi……. 4/10
Oghenekaro Etebo – Almost scored a bizzare own goal from an intended back pass. He struggled to get going for the minutes he was on the pitch……. 2/10
Emmanuel Dennis – A day to forget for the Nottingham Forest man. He insisted on taking the penalty despite Ekong’s appeal for him to give the ball to Onuachu. He ended up missing it and might have missed out on another chance with the team……. 2/10
Paul Onuachu – Struggled badly and didn’t do enough to earn a rating…..