Nigeria got their campaign at the ongoing 2019 Africa Cup of Nations underway with a 1-0 win over Burundi thanks to a goal from substitute Odion Ighalo in the 78th minute.
Owngoalnigeria.com rates the player on show for the Super Eagles of Nigeria who are now top of the group before Guinea take on Madagascar in the other group game.
Daniel Akpeyi – Didn’t look entirely convincing particularly in his ball handling but still made a crucial save from point blank range which can easily pass as the save of the tournament so far. Looks very much like a danger waiting to happen….. 6/10
Shehu Abdullahi – Unfortunately couldn’t last beyond 38th minute due to illness. Did put in a commendable shift for the time he was on the pitch….. 4/10
Ola Aina – Didn’t lose a single tackle in the entire game and capped an all round performance with a well executed backhell to set up Ighalo for the only goal of the game….. 8/10
William Troost-Ekong – Bossed the game alongside Omeruo. Still need to work on his confidence on the ball as he gave away possession cheaply. He looked very much an improved player from the World Cup in Russia….. 7/10
Kenneth Omeruo – Won every duel he went for both on the ground and in the air. Showed quick pair of heels when needed and looked very comfortable playing alongside Ekong….. 7.5/10
Mikel Obi – Had a game to forget. Dragged the team backward as he looked lost in the number ten role. Nigeria got going following his substitution….. 5/10
Wilfred Ndidi – Voted the official Man of the Match by CAF and deservedly so. Kept his energy level same from the start to the finish. Won and distribute balls with ease….. 8.5/10
Oghenekaro Etebo – Covered lots of ground and had more touches than any other player for Nigeria. Need to however get himself into goal scoring positions….. 7/10
Alex Iwobi – Came alive when he moved to the centre following the substitution of Mikel. Still didn’t influence the game as many expected particularly in the first half….. 7/10
Samuel Chukwueze – Got past his markers with ease but his final touch let him down severally. Fearless in his approach and didn’t look like a player making his debut in a senior tournament for Nigeria….. 7/10
Paul Onuachu – Blew away the chance to stake a claim to the number 9 spot of the team. His physical presence troubled Burundi although he didn’t look like scoring until he was subbed off….. 6/10
Substitutes:
Chidozie Awaziem – Guilty of committing two avoidable fouls, he however produced a tremendous block to deny Burundi a chance at goal. Didn’t look lost at right back….. 6/10
Ahmed Musa – His direct approach unsettled Burundi. Didn’t stop running and that made it easy for Ighalo to make runs behind the defence of Burundi which led to the winner….. 6.5/10
Odion Ighalo – Strong and confident in front of goal. Took his chance really well and looks good for a start in the next game on the strength of his display following his introduction as a substitute.
