The Super Eagles of Nigeria beat Zambia 2-1 in their first 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Sunday, October 10.
This is how the players faired in the game.
playKelechi Iheanancho celebrates after scoring for the Super Eagles (Twitter)
Carl Ikeme (Goalkeeper) 9/10
Ikeme had a fantastic game for the Super Eagles, making at least five saves as Nigeria took all the tree points against Zambia. He saved a header when the score was 1-0 to the Super Eagles and also had three more saves in the second half.
Wilfrid Ndidi (Right-Back) 4/10
The versatile defender failed to justify his inclusion in the team ahead of Mus Mohammed and Shehu Abdullahi. Could not contain the opponent as all Zambia’s chances came from his position.
Kenneth Omeruo (Centre-back) 5/10
playKenneth Omeruo struggled in one-one situation (Twitter)
After an impressive start, Omeruo lost focus and made the mistake that led to Zambia’s only goal of the game. Looked shaky one on one and had a poor game by his own standards.
William-Troost Ekong (Centre-Back) 8/10
Ekong was solid throughout the game and led the defence that was a suspect all through the game. Was solid in tackles and in the air, clearing out dangers as they came.
Elderson Echiejile (left-back) 6/10
It was an average performance from the Super Eagles left-back. Didn’t look confident enough when tackling the opposition and also struggled with the pace of the game.
Ogenyi Onazi (holding midfielder) 4/10
Onazi had a poor game in midfield. Could not cope with the pace of the game and had so many misplaced passes. Didn’t do enough with helping the attack and played too many sideways passes.
John Obi Mikel (second holding midfielder) 7/10
Mikel didn’t do badly in the game as he was everywhere on the pitch. Can do better with helping the attack but he also had a crack at goal which the goalkeeper saved.
Kelechi Iheanacho (midfield/forward) 8/10
Iheanacho played in the 10/8 position and was impressive capping his performance with a solo goal. Connected well with Mikel Obi and Alex Iwobi.
Alex Iwobi (forward) 8/10
Scored Super Eagles first game and was the most direct Nigerian player on the pitch. Caused trouble throughout the game with his incisive forward passes and runs,
Moses Simon (forward) 4/10
Poor performance from the forward. Nothing happened from his wing as he could not dribble or make good crosses.
Brown Ideye (striker) 4/10
Also had a poor game. A couple of heavy touches and below par positioning. Missed a goal when one on one with the goalkeeper. He, however, did well with the pass that led to the Super Eagles second goal.
Substitutes
Anderson Esiti (striker) 3/10
Came in towards the end of the game and he didn’t have much of an effect.
Ahmed Musa (forward) 3/10
playAhmed Musa was not in the game when he came on (Twitter/Brilla FM)
Brought in late in the game but couldn’t cause any trouble for the tired legs of the Zambian defence. Could have well be involved in the game but he didn’t make any effort to get on the ball.
