The Flying Eagles of Nigeria restored their world cup ambition with an emphatic one nil win over host nation, Egypt.
In what was a tension soaked match, both teams appeared not willing to taking risk leading to the first half ending in 0-0. In the second half it became more open with chances at both ends with the hope of breaking the deadlock.
Nigeria finally got the breakthrough when left full back Solomon Agbalaka powered home a header from a well taken corner kick by Aminu Mohammed in the 70th minute.
Chijioke Anigboso – The goalkeeper who was picked ahead of first choice goalkeeper Nathaniel Nwosu gave a huge account of himself. Made two big saves and also commanded his area really well. What a game he had….. 8.5/10.
Augustine Njoku – Full of energy and not scared of getting involved. Covered a lot of grounds and was very much settled all through the game, Should have done more offensively….. 6/10.
Solomon Agbalaka – Solid in defending and also joined the attack with ease. His bullet header ended as the winning goal of the game. A solid showing….. 7.5/10.
Benjamin Fredrick – He can do no wrong at the moment. Solid in area duels and also won all his tackles with ease. His well timed last ditch tackles twice bailed the team in tight corners. The Simoiben Academy graduate is surely among the stars of this team….. 8/10.
Daniel Bameyi- His energy level can’t be matched but wasn’t quite refined in the way he went into tackles and aerial duels. He was fortunate not to give away a penalty with a wild lunge….. 6/10.
Aminu Mohammed – Showed remarkable composure on the ball and looked to play in his teammates early. Picked up the assist with a well lofted corner kick. Had a near spectacular game in the middle….. 7/10.
Onuche Ogbelu – Can easily pass as the most busy and most creative among the Nigerian midfielders. The way he bossed the game without his regular partner Daniel Daga came as a surprise to many….. 7.5/10.
Samson Lawal – A passenger in the first half but heavily involved in the second half. Hasn’t quite lived up to his showing at the WAFU B championship. Not one of his best games….. 6/10.
Mohammed Beji – Indecision made him look lost when he was presented with two chances to have a shot at goal. Improved a lot in the second half and almost scored from range. Can do a lot better though….. 6.5/10.
Haliru Sarki – Not the same player he way in preparation for this tournament. Wasteful in possession and guilty of trying to do too much. Not one of his best days…. 5/10.
Ayuba Francis – A willing runner and a fighter. He fought for every ball in the box making him drift away from where he can be a threat. As the arrowhead of the attack he didn’t get involved enough to be a goal threat….. 6/10.
Substitutes:
Adams Olamilekan – Made his presence known with his all round approach keeping the Egyptian defence busy. A better outing than in the first game….. 6/10
Jude Sunday – Ran at his markers with pace and did a lot of job defensively. He however still hasn’t hit the height that is expected of him…. 6/10
Nicholas Jonathan – Didn’t get involved enough to earn a rating.
Abel Ogwuche – He made two powerful headers to halt a potential counter attack from Egypt. Not enough to earn a rating.
Mohammed Mowiz
