The Super Eagles were superb on Monday against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, as they took a step closer in qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup holding in Russia.

Chinedu Laurel Okorodike of 90minutesgoal.com take a close look at how the starting Eleven and substitutes performed in the battle in Yaounde.


Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Goalkeeper)

The FC IfeanyiUbah goalkeeper was picked to replace the injured Daniel Akpeyi .
Ezenwa was impressive, calm and had good communication with Troost and Balogun. Some football lovers and pundits are of the opinion that the penalty conceded by Nigeria was as a result of his inexperience. But I think any goalkeeper can make that mistake.


The great Jens Lehman of Germany and Arsenal once caught a player's (Eto'o) leg in a champions league final. The action caused Arsenal the final against Barcelona in 2006.

Ezenwa will grow into a fine keeper in future , but he needs to stop his show boating. Rating 7/10 (★★★★★★★)


Shehu Abdullahi (right back)

Athough Shehu Abdullahi is a natural midfielder, he also plays so well in the right-back position and Monday's game against Cameroon was not different. The C.F. União of Portugal player did not disappoint against Cameroon.

He defended very well, but did not surge forward to link up play especially when Christian Basagog came in. Rating 6/10 (★★★★★★)

ELDERSON ECHIEJILE (Left Back)

The Sivasspor and Super Eagles defender was the biggest suspect in the game. Even the Cameroonians observed his deficiencies and launched series of offensive moves though his position during the game.

He got covered occasionally by Leon Balogun.
He offered nothing going upfront as Nigeria had no offensive attack via the left flank because he did not overlap. Rating 5/10 (★★★★★)


Leon Balogun (Central defence)

The rugged defender who plies his trade in Germany with Mainz 05 was simply outstanding and a delight to watch. It was his second appearance for Nigeria after he missed the 2-0 loss to South Africa in Uyo.


He partnered so effectively well with William Troost-Ekong in the heart of the Nigerian defence and occasionally provided cover for teammate Elderson Echiejile. His sliding tackles were well timed and his aerial power was greeted with cheers.

He will continue to be an integral member of the team as long as he stays fit. Rating 8/10 (★★★★★★★★)


WILLIAM TROOST-EKONG (Central defence)

He was physically ready for the Cameroonians. He partnered so well with with Leon Balogun to keep tabs and checkmate Aboubakar. His tackles were timely and effective. His partnership with Leon Balogun is a beauty to watch. Rating 7/10 (★★★★★★★)


Mikel Obi (attacking midfield)

Mikel showed why he is the heart and soul of the Nigerian team. His touches, passes and vision was good. His leadership qualities rubbed on every other player. The Cameroonians only found space in the Nigerian midfield only when Mikel was substituted in the 65th minute. Rating 7/10 (★★★★★★★)


Wilfred Ndidi (defensive midfield)

He showed dominance and strength accompanied with good passing ability. He nullified and intercepted all dangerous moves and build up plays by Cameroon. He provided adequate shield for the duo of Troost and Balogun at the back-line.

Mikel Obi benefited the most from Ndidi work-rate as Mikel had had more confidence and assurance going forward. Rating 7/10 (★★★★★★★)


Victor Moses (winger)

The Chelsea man combined good attacking plays and good defensive displays. He brought pain and agony to the Cameroonian defense with constant onslaught. He almost scored with a beautiful chip that missed the target narrowly. He was guilty of clear-cut misses. Rating 7/10 (★★★★★★★)



ONAZI OGENYI

He did his job well which was to provide cover in the midfield but occasionally he was suspect with the ball.

The Cameroonians found Onazi a hard nut to crack as he worked so hard running and covering distances on the pitch until he was replaced by Oghenekaro Etebo in the 87th minute. His combative tackles earned him a yellow card in the game. Rating 6/10 (★★★★★★)


Moses Simon (winger)

The Gent man continued where he stopped in the first leg in Uyo. He was the best player in the field and a constant threat to the duo of Fai Collins and Leuko Tchaha of Cameroon.

Moses Simon scored Nigeria's only goal with a well placed volley. Rating 8/10 (★★★★★★★★)



Odion Ighalo (striker)

He was a threat to the Cameroonian back-line. He almost scored when he turned Teikeu Adolph inside-out with a breathtaking dribble, only for his shot to missed the target just narrowly.

Ighalo was replaced in the 79th minute by Kelechi Iheanacho. Rating 7/10 (★★★★★★★)



The Substitutes

Mikel Ndubusi Agu (winger)

Agu replaced Mikel Obi and did little well to command the midfield. The Bursaspor FC of Turkey player could not reciprocate the fine display he exhibited in the first leg against Cameroon in Uyo. Rating 5/10 (★★★★★)

Oghenekaro Etebo (Midfielder)

Was hardly in action when he replaced Onazi Ogenyi. He ended up chasing around the pack and could not soak up the pressure from Cameroonians. Rating 5/10 (★★★★★)


Kelechi Iheanaco (striker)

The Leicester City forward was a 79th minute substitution for Odion Ighalo. He barely had any impact in the game unlike the first leg where we came in and scored Nigeria's fourth and final goal against Cameroon. Rating 5/10 (★★★★★)


Source: http://www.90minutesgoal.com/2017/09/Super-eagles-players-rating-in-1-1-draw-against-Cameroon.html?m=1