The Nigeria U23 team kept their hope of qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with a 3-2 win over Zambia in their second group game of the tournament taking place in Egypt.
Nigeria recovered from going behind with goals from Orji Okwonkwo, Kelechi Nwakali and Taiwo Awoniyi sealing the win that handed them their first win of the tournament and also move them to three points, one behind group leaders South Africa.
Owngoalnigeria.com rates the players on parade for Nigeria.
Adamu Abubakar – Didn’t have much to do but was commanding when he needed to deal with crosses. He also came off his line smartly to pick balls threaded behind his defenders…..7/10
Sincere Seth – Recovered from the bad positioning that played a role in Zambia’s first goal with top notch tackles for the rest of the game. Didn’t lose a single tackle and was calm late into the game when Zambia peppered the Nigerian defence in search of a leveller……7/10
Stephen Godfrey Bitok – Stuck to his defensive duties brilliantly and joined the attack when he needed to. He however was caught in possession and it almost resulted to a goal for Zambia. Did very well late on in the game…..6/10
Valentine Ozornwafor – Produced two well timed tackles to deny Zambia in the box. Calm in the box and also very good in aerial duels. Can easily pass as the best player on the pitch for Nigeria……7. 5 / 10
Izuchukwu Anthony – Strong in duels and very quick in closing down his man. Still need to work on his movement and reading of the game. Guilty of ball watching most times when Zambia made incursions into the box of Nigeria…….6/10
Azubuike Okechukwu – Wore the captain armband after missing the first game but didn’t do much on the pitch. However his presence lifted the confidence of the team particularly in the second half when they needed to see out the game……6/10
Kelechi Nwakali (MOTM) – Not a vintage performance all round but one which he used his quality to sway the game in Nigeria’s favour. His well struck freekick gave Nigeria the edge and deservedly earned him the title of man of the match. He was however guilty of losing possession cheap…….8/10
Ndidfreke Effiong – Worked really hard for the team. Covered more grounds than any other player on the pitch for Nigeria. Can easily claim the assist for the third goal scored by Awoniyi as his high ball out of defence resulted in the mix up which gifted Nigeria the third goal……7 / 10
Sunusi Ibrahim – Didn’t stop running and chased every ball in his path. Willing to put his body where it hurts although his final ball is still a cause for concern. His corner kick was turned home by Okwonkwo for the first goal that helped Nigeria got back into the game……7 / 10
Taiwo Awoniyi – Held the ball up nicely and looked a threat with the positions he usually takes in the box. Took his goal nicely and although he looked a bit out of place due to limited game time at Mainz 05 he showed enough determination to help the team……7 / 10
Orji Okwonkwo – Got subbed off due to an injury. Brought Nigeria back into the game with a well timed run and jab to bring scores to 1-1. Not quite at his level yet but a big threat nonetheless……7 / 10
Substitutes:
Sunday Faleye – Struggled to adjust to the pace of the game. Didn’t contribute anything significant for the period he was on the pitch…..5/10
Aliyu Yau Adams – Brought in to shore the defence as Nigeria seek to protect their lead and the Spartaks Jurmala midfielder didn’t disappoint. He was stationed in front of the defence and he effortlessly broke up play to ease the pressure on the defence……6/10
