Nigeria’s result against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Monday’s friendly in Port Harcourt wasn’t as important as the performances of the Super Eagles as the World Cup looms large. Gernot Rohr used the opportunity to assess his players as he prepares to cut some names from his preliminary squad, and several Nigerians on display in the 1-1 draw were playing for their tickets to Russia.
This showed with several nervy displays, particularly during the opening minutes of a testy encounter. Here’s how the Super Eagles’ World Cup hopefuls fared during Monday’s exhibition match.
FRANCIS UZOHO 8: Two point-blank, world-class stops – including a David De Gea-esque intervention with an outstretched foot – should normally be enough to earn him high marks from this game.
However, his awareness, aerial dominance, use of feet and command of his area added some extra brownie points.
TYRONNE EBUEHI 7: Showed surprising strength against a very physical African opposition.
Played intelligently and won more than a few personal battles until he cramped out in the second half right after hunting down and making a block
ELDERSON ECHIEJILE 7: One of not a few players who played like they knew they had punched their World Cup tickets already. Steady without being spectacular. One rash challenge earned him a yellow, but he more than compensated for this with a crucial block.
LEON BALOGUN 6: Not his best game. Could have done better in many situations when he needed to be bailed out, and looked a tad off the pace
WILLIAM TROOST-EKONG 9: Deserved winner of the man-of-the-match award, especially after scoring his first international goal. Made one error, but otherwise untouchable
OGENYI ONAZI 7: As usual, the lead hunter in the pack. Onazi’s ability to neutralize a team’s best moves can neither be taught nor learnt. Even his distribution is improving!
JOEL OBI 8: The real-life Energizer Bunny. If he was playing for a ticket to the World Cup, there is little else Joel could have added to his game on the night. He faded in the latter stages but that is to be expected for a man playing high-octane football in the early minutes.
OGHENEKARO ETEBO 6: A little off colour this time, but he wasn’t exactly playing for his place. Looked better when shunted Out to the wide areas later in the game
KELECHI IHEANACHO 7: Looked good in his second striker/advanced midfielder role. Dropped back for tackles and won the ball, while his free kick led to the opener.
JUNIOR LOKOSA 8: He played like he belonged with the national side…and so he did. His ball protection, tireless running, and all the troubles he caused the Congolese means he should surely be getting another phone call soon.
SIMY NWANKWO 8: If that ball had been just an inch lower, Simy would have joined the ranks of players to have scored on their debuts. What a debut it was for the 26-year-old. He constantly won aerial battles, bullied his markers and showed great technical class despite his frame. Turning to evade three markers in the second half was just one highlighted moment of excellence.
SUBSTITUTES
ALEX IWOBI 7: Came in and almost changed the tide of the game for Nigeria. He could have scored with a fierce shot almost from kick off after Congo scored the equalizing penalty kick.
OLA AINA 6: The defender was a key attacking outlet as soon as he came on, but giving away the penalty appeared to take its toll as he lost a bit of focus.
KENNETH OMERUO 6: Introduced for Balogun, and immediately made a good case for why Rohr should not only take him to Russia, but should also elevate him back into the starting eleven.
AHMED MUSA 7: Like him or hate him, Musa’s pace immediately electrified the arena. Twice he breezed past his marker. On the second occasion he was double-teamed and dispossessed.
SHEHU ABDULLAHI: Didn’t have enough time to make a rating. Espnfc.com
