Super Eagles Player Ratings

 

Super Eagles proved bookmakers wrong with an impressive 2-0 win over Iceland on Friday in their second
match of group D at the FIFA World Cup in Russia. Ade Ojeikere takes a look at the performances of the
players who restored hope for Nigerians at the end of the game played at the Volgograd Arena.

Francis Uzoho: The 19-year-old was busy particularly in the first half and rose to the occasion. Worthy
of mention was the terrific save from a Gylfi Sigurðsson free kick. By his performance Uzoho made
history by becoming the second youngest keeper in World Cup history to keep a clean sheet (8/10)

Leon Balogun: The Brighton new signing came close to scoring his first World Cup goal in the second
half from a header. He had a good outing, won aerial balls courtesy of his height and combined
effectively with William Troost-Ekong to keep the Iceland attackers at bay. (7/10)

William Troost-Ekong: He had a better outing after the Croatia match. (6/10)

Kenneth Omeruo: He had a decent game after warming the bench for long and was instrumental to Musa’s
second goal.(7/10)

Brian Idowu: A better performance from the Amkar Prem of Russia defender unlike Nigeria’s opening game
but still not the left back suited for the position for the Eagles. Little wonder Head coach Gernot
Rohr brought him out for Tyrone Ebuehi (4/10)

Wilfred Ndidi: Ndidi was very visible in the midfield. He tested Iceland keeper Halldórsson with his
trademark long range shots (8/10)

Oghenekaro Etebo: He fought for every ball. His workrate should be commended (7/10)

Mikel Obi: The Super Eagles captain showed hunger but it appears age is beginning to tell on him (6/10)

Victor Moses: Played better in the second half unlike in the first half where he was lethargic. He was
selfish in the first half. But in the seond half he was a defender’s nightmare. His pullout from the
right flank led to Nigeria’s opening game (6/10)

Ahmed Musa: He repaid head coach Gernot Rohr with two brilliant goals and won the match of the match.
His speed and ability to capitalise on counters are his strengths. Would have scored a hat-trick if not
for his shot that hit the woodwork!(9/10)

Kelechi Iheanacho: He was very confident and effcient upfront. (7/10)

SUBSTITUTES

Tyronne Ebuehi: His performance for the day was dented by a needless foul which resulted in an Iceland
penalty. He is an exciting player and did well as a Brian Idowu replacement. (6/10)

Odion Ighalo: Lacks the speed of Ahmed Musa. (4/10)

Alex Iwobi: Replaced Etebo in the latter stage of the match and made an attempt to score. (3/10)