The Nigeria U20 team started their campaign at the U20 World Cup with a comeback 2-1 win over Dominican Republic in their first game of the tournament, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman rates the players on parade for Nigeria in the win which has placed them in strong position ahead of the game against Italy, who were 3-2 winners over Brazil.
Chijioke Anigboso – Didn’t have much to do other than a solid punch to divert a long range effort. Distributed the ball nicely and commanded his area with ease….. 7/10
Daniel Bameyi – Caught out twice with balls behind him. Didn’t look entirely comfortable with the ball at his feet and in a game dominated by Nigeria, he didn’t offer an outlet on the overlap. It was his throw-in that led to the leveler for Nigeria forcing an own goal…. 6/10
Solomon Agbalaka – Solid defensively but limited in the opposition half. Should have joined the attack more but overall it must be said that he didn’t do badly….. 7/10
Benjamin Fredrick – Unlucky to give away the penalty after a VAR review. He didn’t put a foot wrong and his partnership with Abel Ogwuche is so solid judging by how they move the ball helping the team make the transition from defence to attack….. 8/10
Abel Ogwuche – Nothing went past him. Solid in the air, quick off the ground and assured in tackles. Seems to be the leader of the defence. His partnership with Frederick frustrated the Dominican Republic forwards….. 8/10
Daniel Daga – Quite easily the man of the match. Dictated the game and was ever present in the middle. Won all of his duels with his usage of the ball afterwards helping the Flying Eagles make the transition from defence to attack with ease….. 8.5/10
Tochukwu Nnadi – Had a pedestrian display in the first half. Got going in the second half like the rest of the team. Need to improve on his decision making especially in the final third….. 7.5/10
Samson Lawal – Full of energy and drive. Linked up the attack brilliantly with little intricate passes to the lively Jude Sunday. Took his goal really well….. 7.5/10
Salem Fago Lawal – Close skills has to be one of his major strength and the fact that he is willing to chase every ball had the opposition defenders on the back foot. Got subbed off due to a knock he failed to run off…. 6.5/10
Jude Sunday – Lively, daring and deadly. He was a nightmare to the backline of Dominican Republic all game long. Had three efforts that could have resulted to a goal on another day. Need to improve on his decision making when in position to shot or pass….. 8.5/10
Mohammed Beji – Another player who put in a really good shift in tracking back and attacking when the need arises. Didn’t get into goal scoring positions as he largely played in others rather than take the responsibility….. 7/10.
Substitutes:
Emmanuel Umeh – His movement upfront gave balance to the attack of Nigeria. Unlucky not to have scored and by the strength of his showing he has put himself in pole position to start the next game….. 6/10
Haliru-Sarki – Very sliky and smooth in possession. Went past his markers with ease but like the rest of his teammates, he needs to know when to shot, cross or pass in the box….. 5/10
The rest didn’t get involved enough to earn a rating.
