How Super Eagles Players Rated Vs South Africa

How Super Eagles Players Rated Vs South Africa By Muibat Aniyikaye BSNSports.com.ng correspondent, Muibat Aniyikaye rates the Super Eagles performance after their Saturday's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier 1-1 draw to South Africa at FNB stadium in Joannesburg,South Africa. The scoreline qualified Nigeria with a match to spare for 2019 African Cup of Nation in Cameroon in June 2019. Super Eagles are on top of Group E table with ten points, South Africa followed closely with nine points, Libya has eight points while Seychelles at the bottom has one point. Ikechukwu Ezenwa: He made a return in a similar fashion during the 2018 world cup qualifying game against Cameroon where he stepped in to replace injured Carl Ikeme. This time, first choice Eagles keeper, Uzoho couldn't make it due to injury. Though, Ezenwa was not under too much pressure throughout the game, but he however, performed well as the lone goal conceded was not his fault but that of the two defenders who allowed South Africa forward Tau found his way past the defence line to lay pass for the equaliser. (6/10). [caption id="attachment_7119" align="alignnone" width="300"] Super Eaglesine up Vs South Africa[/caption] Samuel Kalu: He did a yeoman job as he was to play from the defence to attack in 3-5-2 formation. He plays as a right back and best Nigeria player on the pitch against South Africa. Throughout the encounter, he remain a threat and thorn in the flesh of the South African. His cross was deflected and led to Super Eagles 1-0 lead in the 9th minute (8/10). William Troost-Ekong: Struggled throughout the game may be due to game formation. Did not show composure, positional sense, co-ordination and experience. (5/10). Kenneth Omeruo: Failed to justify why he should be in the Starting eleven for Eagles. He was dribbled several times by the South African attackers. Omeruo however, was not the worst on the pitch as he has some moment of brilliance. He lost an opportunity to put Nigeria ahead in the dying minute as he headed a cross to a corner when he was unmarked. (5/10). Jamilu Collins: One of the biggest disappointments, especially in his primary assignment on the pitch. He couldn't mark and lack skills to penetrate through the opponent while moving forward (3/10). Leon Balogun: Another of the experienced players who did not cover himself in glory. He didn't do bad in organising the defence especially in the second but how South African scored their 26th minute goal remained a minus for the three centre defence. (5/10) Oghenekaro Etebo: Was lively in the early parts of the game, he did more of sitting back to cover the defence. Lacked his usual bursting runs from deep and gradually faded away as the game wore on (5/10). John Ogu: Though did his best which was not enough in either half later lost in the game just like his fellow midfield partners, put up an average performance (5/10). Alex Iwobi: Had one of his worst ever performances for the Super Eagles as he failed to make any meaningful impact. Was the second player to be subbed off which summed up his woeful performance (5/10). Kelechi Iheanacho: His only contribution was a pass to the captain Ahmed Musa during a scoring build up. Was later yanked off for Isaac Success. He misses an opportunity of scoring a goal but his poor ball control denied him him the chance to face South African keeper one-on-one to slot the ball behind the net. (4/10). Ahmed Musa: Tormented the South African right-back with his pace and dribbling but was let down by poor delivery into the box. Was however replaced after the game about to end (8/10). Substitutes Isaac Success: Gave the South African defence something to think about when he came on for Iheanacho as he brought pace and direct play into the attack. Unfortunately could not inspire the team to get something from the game as he was denied by Ahmed Musa who was mistakenly assumed to be offside by the referee. (5/10). Isaac Success: Came on for the disappointing Iheanacho could not make any statement as the South African are the one pressing thereby forced to withdraw and assist the defence. Has a strong case for a starting spot in subsequent games (4/10). Henry Onyekuru: Replaced Ahmed Musa with four minutes left but did not contribute anything as the game was already gone. (no rating).