Icon4s:

Balogun's lack of pace was really exposed today.

you saw that too Baba. Lots of work still need to be done

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

All Tunisia need is a draw at home to Libya, and they will book their place in Russia.

Humility017:

ighalo problem was mainly in his decision making....that pass from V Moses was same Iwobi received...and also his positioning was poor...

I doubt nacho wil miss those chances he missed today...
forget it..nacho is more clinical in front of goal..than ighalo or ideye...

even the goal Iwobi scored was more of individual brilliance...he never trapped that ball...but played it immediately

He should have hit the ball pronto but he wanted do fancy something. But we lack people who take shots from outside and we lack good headers so our corners go to waste.

chrisooblog:
Make I look 4 trouble ghana ghana ghana ghana ghana ghana ok I mentioned your name wetin una wan do

Sir, we don't need that. Let's savour our own victory without dragging others into it.

Joebie:
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

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

AIG07:
that dude is another version of Rueben Gabriel.

O pari!

meaning he may not last. hmm

chrisooblog:
Make I look 4 trouble ghana ghana ghana ghana ghana ghana ok I mentioned your name wetin una wan do

What's the meaning of this now?

I believe you are more matured than this.

AIG07:
E b like se most people no know or de don forget who Joel Obi IS? No thanks to his injury laden career.

Here is how I rate and rank our CMF/AMF Players.
1. John Mikel Obi
2. Joel Obi
3. Oghenekaro Etebo
4. Alex Iwobi
5. Ongenyi Onazi
6. Okechukwu Azuibuke
7. John Ogu
8. Mikel Agu.

In regards to the above, this is my own rating.

1, Mikel Obi
2. Joel Obi
3, Onazi Ogenyi
4, Alex Iwobi
5, Abdul Ajagun
6, Raheem Lawal
7, Jonh Ogu
8, Ramon Azeez

If i add Tega Onomah, he is number 3.

tbaba1234:
MOTM

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.

Daejoyoung:

Exactly, we had the better chances, the problem was that we couldn't play the ball on the ground for some reason.

We were really under immense pressure.

AIG07:
you saw that too Baba. Lots of work still need to be done

Balogun and Ekong are not good enough.

My people lemme not lie ehn... . It was a tension soaked game . I missed a large part of the first half cus it was raining and DSTV signal dy f**k up.. ;
Here's my thought on the game..

1) The Zambians were good. I must confess,they gave us a run for our money. speed everywhere. That goal they scored might not be an offside though (But I don't care ). If they keep it up,they might make it to Qatar 2022

2) I never knew that Iwobi had that much speed oo.. . . the way he ran at the ball after that Zambia corner gave me joy .. His goal was class!! his celebration was wow . To be honest he is a sure starter in the team.. he has more footballing brain that Simeon Moses

3) We were wasteful today.. We could have been 2-0 up by half time had we converted our chances.. If not for Onazi injury, Rohr would have brought in Nacho. we can't rely on Ighalo all the time.. he has shown that he is an unreliable striker..

4) Apart from Echijele, our back four are quite solid..Balogun and Ekong are the real deal,no argument . And that Shehu should get the hell outta Cyprus , I might be wrong tho,but he seem too good to play in that kinda league..

5) Aina got his chance, and he made good use of it . Too bad Moses couldn't convert his cross.. Moses was kinda selfish today though with some unnecessary dribbles. I hope Aina get his chance in hat role against Algeria

6) Mikel is the Igwe . .I used to be a proud member of the "Slowobi" crew but Mikel's recent performance in the team since Rohr took over has proved me wrong..Currently I don't see any player that can replace him in the SE team.. his leadership quality is another great motivation in the team.

7) I'd like to see this lineup vs Algeria next month..
Alampasu.. Aina ... Awazeim...Agbo...Ebuehi
Etebo.. Ogu...Agu
Onyekuru... Iheanacho... Iwobi

An invitation should be extended to Cyril Desser and Dennis Bonaventure..





I almost slipped on my way back from the viewing center today the ground was too slippery..



*Modified*

I think an invitation should be extended to Tiago Ilori too for the Algeria game...Otherwise Baba Ilori(forgiveness) might vex

shuu, when Iwobi turn 'Arsenal striker'?
ANS O

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.

Icon4s:

Balogun's lack of pace was really exposed today.

I saw it too today. Ekong and Shehu were the pillar in that defence.

AIG07:
you saw that too Baba. Lots of work still need to be done

Waiting patiently 4 his post match statement.

Danielnino00:
My people lemme not lie ehn... . It was a tension soaked game . I missed a large part of the first half cus it was raining and DSTV signal dy f**k up.. ;
Here's my thought on the game..

1) The Zambians were good. I must confess,they gave us a run for our money. speed everywhere. That goal they scored might not be an offside though (But I don't care ). If they keep it up,they might make it to Qatar 2022

2) I never knew that Iwobi had that much speed oo.. . . the way he ran at the ball after that Zambia corner gave me joy .. His goal was class!! his celebration was wow . To be honest he is a sure starter in the team.. he has more footballing brain that Simeon Moses

3) We were wasteful today.. We could have been 2-0 up by half time had we converted our chances.. If not for Onazi injury, Rohr would have brought in Nacho. we can't rely on Ighalo all the time.. he has shown that he is an unreliable striker..

4) Apart from Echijele, our back four are quite solid..Balogun and Ekong are the real deal,no argument . And that Shehu should get the hell outta Cyprus , I might be wrong tho,but he seem too good to play in that kinda league..

5) Aina got his chance, and he made good use of it . Too bad Moses couldn't convert his cross.. Moses was kinda selfish today though with some unnecessary dribbles. I hope Aina get his chance in hat role against Algeria

6) Mikel is the Igwe . .I used to be a proud member of the "Slowobi" crew but Mikel's recent performance in the team since Rohr took over has proved me wrong..Currently I don't see any player that can replace him in the SE team.. his leadership quality is another great motivation in the team.

7) I'd like to see this lineup vs Algeria next month..
Alampasu.. Aina ... Awazeim...Agbo...Ebuehi
Etebo.. Ogu...Agu
Onyekuru... Iheanacho... Iwobi

An invitation should be extended to Cyril Desser and Dennis Bonaventure..





I almost slipped on my way back from the viewing center today the ground was too slippery..



*Modified*

I think an invitation should be extended to Tiago Ilori too for the Algeria game...Otherwise Baba Ilori(forgiveness) might vex

Lol

I know this match was going to be a close one and as I said before that we shall not underrated them because they are good,thank God we won

A great team effort today

Congrats super eagles

forgiveness:



In regards to the above, this is my own rating.

1, Mikel Obi
2. Joel Obi
3, Onazi Ogenyi
4, Alex Iwobi
5, Abdul Ajagun
6, Raheem Lawal
7, Jonh Ogu
8, Ramon Azeez

If i add Tega Onomah, he is number 3.

Ramon azeez ko,fatai atere ni

Abdul ajagun,peter olayinka,dressers, and all does players wey our unofficial scout in nairaland likes to mention,NONE Is going to world cup

Only Joel obi(DTS if he's 100percent fit and convince d coaching crew and Tammy Abraham changes his mind,dis re d only two player I c gate crashing d world cup list

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.

On a better pitch. We would be very very lethal.
I see us doing beautiful things in Russia

GloryIsaac:
World Cup QF awaits

I see us going to semi final at least.

I am very sure some people must have mocked us. Sticking to the team even after we failed to qualify for AFCON '17 and hoping against all hopes. We have finally scaled through to Russiah.

Shouts out to everyone who have supported this team from regular commenters to ghost readers. You are the real deal and you've made the journey worthwhile.

Special shout out to the op who created this thread in person of Terzurum5-I hope you are glad and happy over there, to the news crew and updates specialist(Sirs Okpyendega, Joebie, Tbaba1234 who is our camera man, forgiveness, blackalbino6 etc) Kudos to you too...

Finally, Wishing the SEs greater success in the future.

God bless the Super Eagles of Nigeria!
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

#SoarEagles and spread your wings over East Europe.

True. But he used experience to hold that defence line. Ekong had his occasional erratic passes


O pari

Icon4s:

Balogun's lack of pace was really exposed today.

forgiveness:


Balogun and Ekong are not good enough.

then who do you want as their replacement?

Mujtahida:

Blistering pace. They didn't allow us play our slow game in the first half. But they tired out in the second half and we come knack them kpom for head.

Sometimes it seemed as if our defence got confused because of their pace.
Like, is he coming for it? Is he giving up?

EmmGee:

I see us going to semi final at least.

Maybe, if teams like Argentina end up not qualifying

Joebie:
where did "mugu" come from na?

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

Yes I know but you can be sure if it was the other way round they will be all over this place jokes apart the ghanaians have a very good national team africa will be poorer for it if they don't qualify for Russia next year