The senior national team of Nigeria were beaten 1-2 by Mexico in the first of their two friendly game in the United States of America, no thanks to an own goal by captain of the team William Troost Ekong.
OwnGoalNigeria.com rates the players who were on for Nigeria in what was the first game for new coach Jose Peseiro.
Francis Uzoho – Made two big saves in the first half to deny Mexico the chance of killing the game as a contest. Unlucky to concede after his save came off Santiago Gimenez for Mexico’s opener…..7/10
Chidozie Awaziem – Lost his man for the first goal scored by Mexico. Solid in duels but looked suspect in terms of his positioning. Also poor with his distribution……5/10
William Ekong – Not one to shy away from a duel and he was his usual self. He didn’t look quite confident maybe due to his inactivity at club level. Scored an own goal from what should have been a routine clearance…..4/10
Semi Ajayi – Struggled to cope with the pace of the Mexicans down his flank. Did well with the ball at his feet and it helped in keeping possession. Played really well in the second half when the team shifted to a back four……6/10
Innocent Bonke – Guilty of sideways and backward passes even when a pass forward should be the best option. Despite covering lot of grounds and getting stuck in duels he still didn’t cover himself in glory…..3/10
Alex Iwobi – Made himself available for a pass and always tried to play forward. His quick feet helped him beat the Mexican press with ease. He was more of a threat in the second half and played a huge role in Nigeria having most of the ball…..6.5/10
Joe Aribo – When on the ball he looked very much at home and worked his socks off without the ball. Played too close to the defence hence didn’t carry the threat he possesses in the opponent’s half…..6/10
Moses Simon – Worked hard to provide cover for Ajayi who isn’t the quickest. Should have taken more responsibility particularly when in the opponent’s box……6/10
Calvin Bassey- Loves to run with the ball but wasn’t on same wavelength with his teammates hence he is mostly isolated when he decides to release the ball and when he finally got one in Dessers was on hand to draw Nigeria level……6/10
Terem Moffi – Dropped deep to link up play and caught the eyes with how he held the ball up. Brought others to play but didn’t get going against a resolute Mexico defence……5/10
Cyriel Dessers – Made really clever runs and constantly tried to put defenders under pressure. Lively and menacing but lack of service made him ineffective until he got picked by a cross from Bassey which he finished off to draw Nigeria level…..6.5/10
