Six players picked from teams in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) played for the senior national team of Nigeria in yesterday’s 2-1 win over Ghana at the ongoing Unity Cup friendly tournament in England.
Three of them namely Sikiru Alimi, Ismaila Sodiq and Papa Daniel were on from the start while Ahmed Musa, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi and Collins Ugwueze were introduced in the second half.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman rates the players on parade for the Eric Chelle side with emphasis on the performance of the NPFL players, who were called up in response to calls for them to be given a shot in the team.
Ismaila Sodiq – Had an assist to his name and didn’t look much troubled defensively, although he was guilty of being caught out of position a couple of times. By far the best player among the local lads with a steady not spectacular performance…..7/10
Papa Daniel – Looked lost from the blast of the whistle, wasted opportunities to initiate a counter with side ways and backward passes. Lost the ball more than any player and it didn’t come as a surprise when he was subbed off by Chelle.He doesn’t look ready for this level …… 4/10
Sikiru Alimi – A surprise inclusion in the team largely due to his not too impressive performances this season, but didn’t look it. Covered lot of grounds and linked up well with Cyriel Dessers by acting as a decoy for the Rangers man , and sometimes winning duels to set the attack in motion. A solid performance…..6/10
Substitutes:
Ahmed Musa – Didn’t quite got involved but was always available for a pass or a run behind. Not the kind of return he would have hoped for, but didn’t looked worried the way he carried himself when he was subbed on……5/10
Ifeanyi Onyebuchi – He wasn’t involved until late into the game when his error of judgement almost helped Ghana to draw level if not for a spectacular save by Stanley Nwabali. Not enough to earn a rating.
Collins Ugwueze – Didn’t get involved enough to be rated.
