Super Eagles of Nigeria sealed their spot at the World Cup 2018 in Russia with a hardly fought 1-0 win over Zambia at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Owngoalnigeria.com Maxwell Pius who covered the game live rates the players on display for Nigeria in the epic encounter that sealed Nigeria qualification to the World Cup with a game to spare.
Ikechukwu Ezenwa – Had very little to do in goal for Nigeria, but was instrumental in helping the team go into the break level at 0-0 when he parried a fierce low drive onto the post….. 6.5/10
Shehu Abdullahi – By far the best player on the pitch for Nigeria, he combined his defensive job with strong over lapping runs from where he picked up the assist for Nigeria’s only goal of the game….. 9/10
Elderson Echiejile – Struggled to cope with the Zambians in the first half, apparently the Chipolopolo targeted his lack of pace but he used his wealth of experience to cope until injury lead to his substitution….. 6/10
Ogenyi Onazi – Coped well with all that was thrown at him for the minutes he was on before leaving the pitch before the half hour mark, after injuring himself when he sent in a cross into the box ….. 5.5/10
Wilfred Ndidi – Covered more space than any other player for Nigeria, won tackles, distributed balls with ease and even came close to scoring with a well placed header which brought out a fantastic save from Kennedy Mweene….. 8.5/10
Leon Balogun – Calm in possession and assured in tackles. He initially struggled in the first half, probably due to the lack of coverage he got following the injury forced substitution of Onazi….. 8/10
William Troost–Ekong – Guilty of giving the ball away in the first half as Zambia pushed for a goal. Had a better second half but still didn’t look quite comfortable unlike in previous games….. 7/10
Moses Simon – A willing runner, who added pace to the front line of Nigeria before he was substituted for Alex Iwobi. He however need to work on his final ball and also positioning in the box….. 7/10
Mikel Obi – The captain was calm in possession for Nigeria and helped them weathered the storm when Zambia were on rampage. Tired out late into the second half….. 7.5/10
Victor Moses – Looked very dangerous in possession and also helped in the defence. Played a big role in Nigeria’s only goal of the game by releasing Abdullahi who delivered the cross to goal scorer Iwobi….. 8/10
Odion Ighalo – Comfortable with his back to goal, but found himself out numbered anytime he is on the ball. Wasted a glorious chance to score from a counter attack shortly before Iwobi scored the winner….. 7.5/10
Substitutes:
Mikel Agu – Struggled to cope with the pace of the game upon his introduction for the injured Onazi. He however had a better display in the second half as he provided cover for the back four….. 5.5/10
Alex Iwobi – Showed his class with neat passes and clever runs behind the defence of Zambia. Took his goal calmly….. 8.5/10
Ola Aina – Very strong in tackles and put his body in the way of Zambia to deny them shot at goal. Almost picked up an assist but Moses failed to turn home his cross….. 6/10
Maxwell Pius
