Maduka Okoye Leads Long Line Of Low Ratings For Nigeria’s ‘Super-Flops’

Sparta Rotterdam of Holland goalkeeper, Emil Maduka Okoye was unwittingly at the head of a long line of flops that failed to rise to the occasion at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, as he and his colleagues gave up a four-goal lead to settle for a draw against visiting Sierra Leone.

BSNSports.com.ng gathered that, while a school of thought argued in the wake of Friday’s implosion in the Edo State capital that Eagles’ coach, Gernot Rohr got his tactics wrong, several match analysts wondered why the players could not rise to the occasion and make a world of difference.

Worst hit by condemnation from fans and analysts alike was Maduka, who got a nightmare to forget on his competitive national team debut, fellow-Germany-born Kevin Akpoguma followed suit, while vice-captain, William Troost-Ekong was a shadow of his good self and skipper of the side Ahmed Musa continued ebbing closer to international retirement.

Ratings provided by allnigeriasoccer.com read in part: “Maduka Okoye: The Sparta Rotterdam shot stopper had little to do in the first half but had a horrible performance in the second half. 1/10. Kevin Akpoguma: The defender who only recently changed allegiance from Germany to Nigeria was not overly troubled in the first half. His few crosses were also disappointing. 4/10.

“Zaidu Sanusi: The Porto left back had a splendid first half but a disappointing second. It was his assist for Victor Osimhen that got the Eagles their second goal with a very good low cross. However he had a hand in the lax defending that led to Sierra Leone’s last goal. 5/10. Leon Balogun: The Rangers defender was the brighter of the duo that started in central defence. Super Eagles conceded three goals after he was substituted. 6/10.

“William Troost Ekong: The Watford player didn’t cover himself in glory especially in the second half. One of the most disappointing games Ekong has played in his entire career. 4/10. Oghenekaro Etebo: Brought steel and organisation which was lacking in the team during their October friendlies. Good first half but his best was not good enough to galvanise every teammate in the second. 6/10.

“Joe Aribo: Aribo was supposed to make things happen for the team but he was largely missing in the match. Became more involved as the Eagles chased a fifth goal. 4/10. Alex Iwobi : Alex Iwobi had an excellent first half, scoring a magnificent goal and added another for his brace in Benin but his early positive performance and the second half capitulation was the reflection of the entire team. 7/10.

“Samuel Chukwueze: Scored a sublime goal with a superb piece of skills going past two defenders and a despairing goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara. All the good work was undone in a calamitous second half. 6/10.

“Ahmed Musa: Perhaps all the captain of the side Ahmed Musa could offer the team is inspiration. His pace which frightened defences in the past had dwindled. Lost possession a couple of times. 4/10. Victor Osimhen: Was his deadly self and claimed q very good goal but unfortunately went off injured with a wrist problem. 6/10.

“The Substitutes – Kelechi Iheanacho: The Leicester man tried as much as he could to salvage a win with two free kicks but they were narrowly wide of the target. 6/10. Paul Onuachu: Continues to be deprived of the requisite services when in the opposition box. 4/10.

“Semi Ajayi: Came on for Leon Balogun who suffered a back problem. At fault with William Troost-Ekong for two of Sierra Leone’s goals, one of them a deflection from his foot. 3/10. Chidera Ejuke: Made his competitive debut. Tried to hold on to the ball and make forward passes buy came on quite late to effect any change going forward. 4/10.”