In this feature, one Goal Nigeria reader grades the Super Eagles' players following their World Cup campaign in Brazil.
Do you agree or disagree with these ratings? Let us know whether you agree or disagree with these marks.
Vincent Enyeama: 8 The Lille man was arguably at his best in the Super Eagles’ matches at the World Cup, save for his two errors that led to the team conceding in the matches against Argentina and France. He produced a series of outstanding saves to keep the team in the thick of things, little wonder he finished the tournament as the highest-ranked African player in the FIFA Castrol rankings. Overall, it was a great tournament for the veteran as he kept match commentators marvelling at his fantastic reflexes.
Juwon Oshaniwa: 6.5 A great tournament for a player who returned to the team for the first time since the Cup of Nations triumph 16 months ago and was brought in to replace the ever-present Elderson Echiejile in the starting line up.
He might not have offered more going forward than Elderson, but he was reliable in defence, making important blocks and clearances, most notably against France to deny Paul Pogba a clear attempt on goal after Enyeama had spilled the ball in the six yard box. He also laid to rest the objections that were raised at the absence of veteran Taye Taiwo in the team.
Kenneth Omeruo: 8 What more can be said about a 20 year old that had a 100 per cent tackle success rate against a potent French team that had already scored eight goals in three matches leading to that encounter? He won 74 percent of his aerial duels in the tournament.
Joseph Yobo: 6 Finally getting his 100th cap for the Super Eagles, the team skipper produced a more mature showing in the team’s four matches than he did in his last match under Stephen Keshi 16 months ago. A momentary loss of concentration led to him having to chase after Antoine Griezmann in the dying minutes of the match against France, scoring an own goal in the process. Even though Omeruo took responsibility for most of the marking duties on the likes of Karim Benzema and Edin Dzeko, the 33 year old did well in winning a few aerial duels and tackles and also made important clearances.
Efe Ambrose: 6.5 Carried out his defensive duties expertly, making several blocks especially against Argentina, not leaving much space for the opposition attackers to exploit on the right flank. Was also fantastic going forward with his clever cut-ins from the right flank to support the attackers.
John Obi Mikel: 4 Was expected by
many to replicate his AFCON and
Confederations Cup form, but the
opposite was the case as the
Chelsea man struggled to adapt to
the pace of the team's matches,
was guilty of losing possession
rather too easily in his own half
and was culpable for too many
wayward passes.
Ogenyi Onazi: 8 The SS Lazio man
continued in his development into
a world-class combative midfielder
with a tackle completion average
of 3.3-per-match. These stats are
higher than the likes of Paul
Pogba, Luiz Gustavo and Sami
Khedira.
The 21 year old was everywhere
in the midfield, dispossessing and
breaking down opposition attacks
and also making few attacking
forays into the defensive third of
the opposition team. He also had
to cover for the lacklustre
performance of his midfield
partner Mikel. His level of influence
in the team's play was shown
after he was substituted against
France, as the team lost shape in
the midfield.
Victor Moses: 4 Was one of the
team’s best players leading to the
tournament, but failed to stamp
his feet in the first match against
Iran and was substituted by the
coach. Only came back to replace
the injured Michael Babatunde in
the starting line up against France,
making a goal-line clearance in the
match but again struggled to
exert his influence on the
proceedings.
Michael Babatunde: 7 The team's
revelation at the tournament as he
enticed and impressed the Super
Eagles' fans with his silky skills
and playmaking abilities when
played in the hole behind the
centre-forward Emmanuel
Emenike. Proved the sceptics
wrong as he took a few fine long-
range shots and provided the
assist for Ahmed Musa's first goal
against Argentina.
Babatunde | Proved the doubters
wrong
Ahmed Musa: 8 Finally living up to
his potential, a few years after he
became the darling of the nation
in setting a new goalscoring
record in the Globacom Premier
League. The pacy forward bagged
two goals against Argentina to
further underline his importance
to Keshi's team, proving his
doubters wrong on the biggest
possible stage. He also provided
the assist for Emmanuel Emenike's
disallowed goal againstFrance.
Osaze Odemwingie: 8 The
prodigal son proved the Big Boss
was right to take a risk on him
with a fine all-round display in all
of the team's four matches at the
showpiece, scoring the lone goal
against Bosnia-Herzegovina to
ensure that the team stayed on
the driving seat for a second
round berth. He regularly helped
out in defensive positions on
either flank as well.
Emmanuel Emenike: 8 Worked
his socks off to ensure that his
teammates upfront could get the
best possible support, drifting to
the wings when necessary. Was a
handful for all the opposition’s
defence, providing two assists in
the process and scored the
controversially-disallowed goal
against France by the linesman.
His fine performances have led to
reported interest from Chelsea
.and Tottenham Hotspur.
Ramon Azeez: 4 Had very little
impact against Iran and
subsequently lost his place in the
team, not to be seen again.
Michael Uchebo:4 Struggled to
maintain possession in his few
minutes against Argentina, it was
not a surprise that he was not
called on again by the coach.
Shola Ameobi: 5 Kept possession
well against Bosnia and also
supported the attack after coming
in as a substitute. Had little
influence in the match against
Iran, failing to win most of his
aerial duels despite his height
advantage.
Uche Nwofor: 3 Had little time to
make an impact in the two
matches that he came in as a late
substitute.
Ejike Uzoenyi: 3 Failed to justify
his inclusion in the team coming
in to replace Babatunde against
Bosnia.
http://m.goal.com/x/en-ng/news/4938798

Gud

True