₦airaland Forum

Joebie's Player Ratings

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Alex Iwobi (8/10)
Iwobi came in at the right time (Rohr must be given credits). He paid Zambians in their own coins with his speed. His introduction brought immediate impact to Nigeria's game. He continued from where he stopped with Arsenal keeping his composure to convert the game's only goal. Much credits must be given to Arsene Wenger for his fine development. No wonder his celebration was that Gunners machine gun salute -- so adorable to watch.

Eddy Onazi (5/10)
Onazi was one of the most noticeable men on green shirt, not for his plays but his hair color. He failed to connect with his a long ball earlier on. However Onazi has been the man covering up for Echiejile all along -- and he did just that today. I find it hard to spot any fine moment from the Trabz midfielder. His performance was average for the little time he spent on the pitch.

Victor Moses (6.5/10)
VicMO had his good moments of helping in build-up, but his performance today was below par should what we know him for be anything to go by. Although it was apparent from the start of the game that he was one of the main men Zambia planned to mark out, he still had a fare good number of options to make, but he rather tried too often to run into a sea of Chipolopolo players.

Ola Aina (5.5/10)
He looked more comfortable in Left Back than the man he replaced, for the relatively short time he spent on the pitch. The Zambians had some good real estate at particular moment though, but Aina didn't get the luxury of support Echiejile got while on the pitch. His high point was when he put through a clever pass that could have passed for a fine assist (Who said Aina cannot use both legs?). A debut performance alas!

Leon Balogun (6.5/10)
Struggled for pace in the first half, but made some adjustment in the second. Next time he will need to adjust more quickly. Going by his standard, his worse game in a SE shirt. By the game's standard, he was just good enough to keep Nigeria safe. He rose time and time again to head away Zambia's forays and even moved forward to assist in dead ball situations.

Troost-Ekong (7/10)
Was more lively than his CB partner. Ironically, Ekong hardly does well when his CB partner is not in good shape, or absent. And it showed again today. Ekong did not have a fine showing in the first half either. But he came good in the second half several times even when it seemed the Zambian would beat him for speed. A couple times he got some good support from the RB -- Thanks to Shehu!

Abdullahi Shehu (8/10)
Everyone's MOTM. What more can I say? He was the embodiment of a modern wing back. He looked like Chelsea's version of Victor Moses today, supporting Ekong when needed especially in the second half. His combination with Iwobi sealed the game for us. If his performance against Cameroon meant he found a new home in the RB position, his performance today meant he has just sealed that spot.

Mikel Agu (5/10)
Struggled to match the intensity of the game when he was called in prematurely to replace injured Onazi. Picked up a needless caution but eventually settled in in the second half. He still has a lot to prove if he must displace any of SE's midfield regulars.

Mikel Obi (7/10)
He tried to use his ball holding strengths, but as expected the Zambians never let him settle. Let's not forget that wonderful run he made in the first half too early. He missed a half chance in the first half. Going by his passes, Mikel was not at his best today. Overall, a pretty decent shift put up by the Super Eagles captain.

Ezenwa (6/10)
Was the more tested GK in the first half, when a close call saved him from conceding. He did the needed for the Super Eagles, the most memorable being a long-rage Zambian effort he parried away to safety.

Onyinye Ndidi (6.5/10)
Onyinye wasn't one of the most noticeable players in a green shirt today. But he rose high to draw a good save from the Zambian goalie in the second half. That attempt got Rohr's endorsement as one of the best attempts by his boys. That was a vote of approval. He gets my nod to start again.

Odion Ighalo (6.5/10)
Worked hard enough for the team, despite not scoring. He put pressure on Mweene in the first half in an attempt to prevent the Zambian captain from having a clear sight to launch attacks. He showed poor decisions in front of goal, one time blasting away when presented with a half chance. Another time not reading Simon's mind to quickly. He was guilty of trying to do too much with the final ball. Judging by this game alone, he returned back to his familiar ways prior to the Cameroon double header.

Simon Moses 6.5/10
If not for Ighalo's lapses, he would have carved one of the finest assists we've seen from the Super Eagles in recent times. His switch to the right flank caused Zambia some problems initially. He seemed to tire out just right in the time we needed some new blood in attack.
Thanks Simon for bowing out!

Elderson Echiejile (5/10)
Got support from his partners as usual and was found out of position a couple times in the first half. He had no business going forward as he failed to pull any tricks in the final third. Considering that speed is not one of his assets he should have sat behind. He didn't give Balogun the support enjoyed by Ekong at the other side of defense. He survived through the encounter until he picked up an injury.

Of course. But by your standards, is he a Starting XI material? Will you even buy such a player if you were the technical director of a club?
So why not want something better for our darling SE?

Chrismario:
Don't get me wrong, not that you said,,,, but he's no calamity as he's being portrayed

Make una no dey use only one match judge. Balogun was beast yesterday, today "he is not good enough."
Shehu nko? Will we not change our opinion again in future?
The fact remains we played under more pressure than the Zambians and it told on many of our players.

With grade A friendlies we will continue building. Now let's see what our bench can offer agains Algeria.

Komekn will disagree because Shehu plays in Cyprus
All you people that will be rating players based ONLY on the league they represent...

Mujtahida:
Undoubtedly. He was really in his element today.

I agree..
Ola Aina - 5.5/10
Victor Moses - 6.5/10

Icon4s:
Iwobi deserves an 8/10 ten abeg.
Though Shehu is also my MOTM.

where did "mugu" come from na?

Chrismario:
I know Aina is better. But he's no mugu

ANS Ratings:

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Nigeria 1 Zambia 0 Player Ratings : Shehu The Best, Moses & Iwobi Star
Published: October 07, 2017

Nigeria 1 Zambia 0 Player Ratings : Shehu The Best, Moses & Iwobi StarNigeria needed a late goal from Arsenal striker Alex Iwobi to earn a 1-0 win over Zambia in their penultimate game of the World Cup qualifiers. But how did the Super Eagles actually rate?

Allnigeriasoccer.com runs the rule over the performance of the Super Eagles on a memorable evening.

The Starters

Ikechukwu Ezenwa 6/10

The FC Ifeanyi Ubah goalkeeper was largely untested except for few nervy moments in the first period. Turned Mwepu's cracker onto the bar.

Elderson Echiejile 5/10

Started sloppily and was caught out of position on the Zambia break. Did a fair share of defending though, but offered synonymously next to nothing going forward.

William Troost-Ekong 6.5/10

The rear-guard left a lot to be desired but he more than made up for his low composure initially with sturdiness in challenges as the game wore on.

Footwork was not that perfect but otherwise, a good defensive outing.

Leon Balogun 6.5/10

He was exploited by the Zambians especially in the first half but grew into the game rapidly afterwards.

Dueled admirably well; aerially and continuously put his body on the line. Made a few uneventful ventures forward.

Shehu Abdullahi 8/10

The Cypriot-based full back may have struggled with discipline and was somewhat lucky to avoid a red. His passing was delightful and he knew when to join the attack from his defensive position. Set up Iwobi with a delightful cross late on.

Ogenyi Onazi 5/10

Cut it top with a few forays in the early periods and nearly played in Odion Ighalo. Picked up a knock in the first half and came off for Mikel Agu.

Wilfred Ndidi 6.5/10

Did a great job alongside Mikel Obi in battling the witty Zambians in midfield. Kept play going with simple passes and even went close with a point-blank header.

John Obi Mikel 6/10

As usual, his ball retention under pressure was particularly immense and he did a big job trying to link up with his
attacking players.

Caches of brilliance here and there. Sent a few wayward efforts wide of the mark.

Moses Simon 6/10

His continuous prying of the Zambian backline kept the opponents on their toes for much of the first half,testing Mweene on two occasions.

Tired surprisingly very early in the second period and was hauled off for Iwobi.

Victor Moses 7/10

Ran the opponents ragged and looked the most likely to break the deadlock for the Super Eagles.

Tracked back to help out defensively but linkups and final efforts were not wholly encouraging but a fine display nonetheless. Missed a late goal.

Odion Ighalo 6/10

Was largely quiet as the Chipolopolo hugely did a great job marking him out of play completely or tracking him down.
A few hold-up plays from the former Watford man.

The Substitutes

Mikel Agu 5/10

Came on for Onazi and did a fair share of the midfield battles.Picked up a yellow for a needless elbow challenge.

Alex Iwobi 7/10

His introduction sparked life into the game going forward for the Eagles. Turns of brilliance and darts into the
opposition areas before nudging Nigeria ahead with a beautiful effort.

Ola Aina 5/10

Came on to add fresh legs in defense and almost registered an assist in the closing minutes but Moses missed.

Emmanuel Chinaza

na anxiety. Even Moses played with anxiety. But yes we should have another option if not even better than him.

Humility017:
to be honest with you...if we must go far at the world cup...
we really need a top 9...
those chances ighalo missed today....a very clinical team will make you pay for it.

Did you see that fine pass that could have been an assist. Aina played better for the short time on the pitch. Can you tell me what was Echiejile's high point?
If Echejile is not too bad how come they "knew our weak [spot]"?

Chrismario:
Did you notice that? Chipoloppo knew our weak and used it in the first half. Uwa is not too bad but lacks the speed

My observations at FULL TIME

1. Alex Iwobi is the truth. Showed Zambians he could run too. His finish, calm and simple. That's how classy forward act in front of goal. Kudos to Arsenal youth.
2. Victor Moses had his good moments, but his performance today was below par based on what we know him for. I'm sure the Zambians were expecting his many runs, and they took care of that for the most part. He could have killed the game, but for his trying to do too much.
3. Ola Aina looked more comfortable in LB for the short time he was on the field. The Zambians had some good real estate at particular moment though. But Aina didn't get the luxury of support Echiejile got while on the pitch.
4. Balogun improved in the second half. Ekong deserves a mention for good reasons.
5. Shehu is a beast. Did i say that before?
6. Agu settled in, and raised his game in the second half. (told u guys to calm down)
7. Mikel Obi tried to use his ball holding strenght, but as expected the Zambians never let him settle. Let's not forget that wonderful run he made in the first half too early. A pretty good game put up by the "Chelsea legend"
8. Ezenwa did just enough. He did the needed. Made one memorable save, that many would erroneously give credit to the bar.
9. Isn't Ndidi a starting XI material? Not convinced yet? Nice attempt at goal. Nice save Mwenee.
10. Ighalo worked hard enough for the team. Failed on a couple options with his decisions in front of goal.
11. It was Simon Moses and not Onazi who was the provider when Ighalo missed.

iwobi.. i told u guys

Clear?.. u lie oh
you for say it was a close call..

BascoVanVeli:
Calm down that goal was a clear offside.

Make una calm down.

My Half-Time Analysis

1. The Zambian forwards speed is unsettling us. More reason why we need better DMF's, or ouur DMFs need not join the attack.
2. Echiejile is still the weakest link
3. Let's allow Agu settle in. Besides the bad tackles he has been average.
4. Onazi's highpoint was that cross that Ighalo missed, besides that he was also average. I remember him misplacing a pass or two.
5. Shehu has been our best defender so far.
6. Victor Moses is beginning to settle in after initially making unnecessary runs and giving away possession.
7. We need to stop all those high balls. They are winning most of the aerial duels. That means we need to put the ball on the ground and do what we are known for.
8. Zambia's weak link is the center of defense. We will do better operating from the middle than the wings.
9. Why does Balogun look sluggish today.
10. Fine save by Ezenwa. The commentators thought it came off the post -- or am I wrong?
11. We should have been one goal down by now if not for ref's good bad call.

That ref Na Nigerian? Lucky us lol

I think they looked like the same SA that came to Uyo. Senegal will have to watch it. But I think they will drop at least a point in their last two games. I have the feeling Senegal will clinch the ticket eventually.

BascoVanVeli:
How did u see SA's performance?

That Thomas "goal" was actually offside.

I didn't watch that game. I just changed channels to check scores. I watched the south africa game for the most part.

BascoVanVeli:
Forget their chances was it a clean goal or not?

Do your thing bro. Personally, I don't bring God into any competition. Even I "pass my neighbor" competition. Talk less of sports.

soetanoreoluwa:
Sir Jobie can we have our prayer for Super Eagles

It's time to seal the world cup ticket

#Soarsupereagle

Even more slim than very slim.

Even if they have beaten Uganda today, a win for Egypt, who host Congo tomorrow will finalize things in that group.

Hanibal:
Let me help Ghana with my mathematics skills.
As it stands Ghana has 6 points, Uganda 8points, Egypt has 9 points with a game in hand.
First off.. Ghana has to pray that Egypt loose tomorrow, then hope that Congo beat Uganda in the next match, and Ghana should beat Egypt in the final qualifying round by at least 4 goals.
Simple isn't it?

Their chances would still have been slim even if they had won. The ref only made it worse

BascoVanVeli:
Ghana just got raped out of the world cup, Clean goal.

haha.. that will make the forum even more interesting..
well too bad ref was against them today. I was really supporting them.

Danielnino00:
They will still come oo

they will brag to us about how they have reached the world cup quarter final while we haven't

Ummm Where are those Ghanians who always come to this forum? I know they won't come today. hahaha

Yes I don't think it did. The ball has to cross the line completely. How could you tell from that angle? The linesman will have to be standing by the corner flag to tell from the way it happened.

Icon4s:
It did not.

The SA players reactions influenced the refs decision.

South Africa VS Burkina Faso

Did that ball cross the line? I don't think it did

BREAKING: NIGERIAN TRANSFER

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Photo Evidence – Sunday Alimi Announces Transfer To Turkish Giants Galatasary
October 7, 2017030

https://i0.wp.com/owngoalnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_3640.jpg

Lobi Stars of Makurdi striker Sunday Alimi has joined Turkish League giants Galatasary according to a post on his Facebook handle to mark the occasion of his birthday.

Alimi turned 18 today and the forward who was a member of the last Nigeria U-17 , the team that won the World Youth Championship in 2015 announced his move to Galatasary is a done deal.



The striker has been on trial with the Turkish giants since the start of the month, and has played in games for the youth team of the Turkish side where he has scored goals in some games.

Alimi is expected to start with the U-19 of the Turkish side before hopefully progressing to the main team, if his performances impresses the handlers of the team during his stay with the youth team.

As at the time of filing in this report, the length of the contract he signed with Galatasary is yet to be known by Owngoalnigeria.com, as he is yet to reply the several messages sent to him.

DONT MISS ==> Iwobi Dazzles In Ozil's Role In Arsenal Win Over Reading, Accepts Criticism Over Poor Shooting Abilities
Daniel Martins

--OwnGoalNigeria

Aina's father in Uyo.

Aina go soon end Echiejile career. Make he F-up today first

Simple, he can play there. Secondly, he can help more defensively there.. he can also spring his long passes from there. My argument is we will get the best of him there while relying on Iwobi to be the initiator in attack with his short passes, something he is known for in Arsenal. He, Iwobi, will match the zambians youth for youth, speed for speed.. Mikel and Ndidi's partnership at the rear will not only be a perfect cover for our CB's but will also provide good support for our FBs. A little bit cautious you may say, but that's what we need at this stage.

Icon4s:
Mikel will start in the AM position.

Why do most of you keep moving him to CM?

My starting line up

That should work. Thank you

Chrismario:
I'm readying it

This should work. Thank you

Chrismario:
I'm readying it

me sef i no know say u be like this oh..
after the match make all of una line up for your doomsday prophesies.
We go flog una.. abeg who get better cane?

Mickael2:
I will bookmark this because I know that the scoreline will be a difference of just one goal or none at all. 8 hours to kickoff