Nigeria’s lone goal scorer in Saturday’s 2-1 loss to England, Alex Iwobi has been rated the Super Eagles’ best player on the evening at Wembley Stadium.
Pundits are unanimous in their verdict that Iwobi was outstanding even before he scored the goal early in the second half and had a great game all through.
An online columnist gave Iwobi eight marks out of ten for his dazzling form and consiolation goal for Nigeria, as the Arsenal lad showed tremendous composure in front of goal to tap home Odion Jude Ighalo’s shot when it came off ht post.
The columnist added in recognition of Iwobi’s performance: Eye-catching. His strides through space kept England on their toes throughout and more than looked the likeliest source of a Nigeria goal. Rattled in a brilliant one from a rebound.”
Other ratings for each of the Nigerian players that saw action on Saturday are – Francis Odinaka Uzoho: Made a couple of brilliant saves to keep out the opponents, including a sensational one to stop Kieran Tripper’s swinging free kick. Looked commanding in stitches and really could have done better with Harry Kane’s goal. (7/10)
Leon Aderemi Balogun: Looked the best of the Super Eagles defenders today and hacked a few clearances away. Was no where near stopping stopping either of the goals from happening. (6.5/10)
William Troost-Ekong: Was fidgety in the early exchanges and didn’t look entirely convincing. Did a fair share of his defensive work though.(6/10)
Brian Idowu: Did nothing of note on the left flank and generally but for a last ditch block to stop Ashley Young’s shot. Attacking instincts were too restricted. (6/10)
Abdullahi Shehu: Tracking back was a glaring issue as most of the attacks launched against Nigeria came from his flank. The few crosses he mustered were even more disappointing. (5.5)
Eddy Ogenyi Onazi: Nondescript midfield performance from Onazi. Offered very little protection for the defense and needlessly coughed up possession a number of times.(5/10)
Joel Chukwuma Obi: Never proved an offensive or defensive outlet during his time on the pitch. His judgements were a bit hasty and hogging onto possession was another thing.(5/10)
John Mikel Obi: Looked calm in possession than most of his fellow midfielders and tried connecting the attackers. Really stamped his authority on the game in the second period. (7/10)
Victor Moses: Drove at the opponents defense each time he got on the ball and worked the defenders into tracking back with his usual trickery. (6/10)
Odion Jude Ighalo: His hold up play was good enough though he sorely lacked any meaningful service to trouble the Three Lions defence. Went close with a rasping drive which hit the base of Pickford’s goal. (7/10)
The Substitutes – Kenneth Omeruo: Did a solid job in defense after coming on and was not found wanting. (7/10)
John Ugochukwu Ogu: Brought the much needed confidence in midfield and worked better as a defensive anchor. Broke up a lot of England attacks in heart-warming fashion.(7.5/10)
Tyronne Ebuehi: Really took the game to the opponents after coming on for the second half. Helped launch attacks from the right flank. (7/10)
Oghenekaro Etebo: Formed a better partnership in midfield in the second period and work rate looked pleasing. (7/10)
Ahmed Musa: Was barely afforded time and space to make any of his meaningful runs. Picked up a soft yellow after going in hard on Ruben Loftus-Cheek.(6/10)
Kelechi Iheanacho: Replaced Ighalo in the closing stages and had little time to any meaningful thing. (5/10)
