Nigeria Vs DR Congo: How Super Eagles Players Are Rated in The Game

By Niyi Busari A first half close range goal from the man of the match, William Troost-Ekong gave Nigeria a deserved lead after Nigeria Premier League highest goal scorer, Junior Lokosa was brought down which led to the free kick that was well planned before William Ekong slotted the ball into the back of the Congolese net. The first half ended 1-0 in favour of the Super Eagles before substitute Ola Aina caused the penalty that was converted by Bampunga Paau in the dying minute of the match. A total of seventeen players saw action in the shirt of the Super Eagles. Six changes were made in the second half for other players to feel and contribute to the game. Before the match, Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has said that the international friendly match is meant for him to select the three remaining players to complete the world cup 23 man list. He stated further that five players will be dropped before leaving Nigeria for England for their next international friendly game. Lets take a look at how Super Eagles were rated in the match. Francis Uzoho--- He has shown once again why the coach chose him ahead of the duo of Enyimba goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Chippa United safe hand, Daniel Akpeyi. He has displayed that he can be trusted and given the nod to mount the goal post in Russia. 7/10. Tyronne Ebuehi--- The Benfica of Portugal new boy did not perform badly though, his fans expect more from him. He needs to do more for him to displace Shehu Abdullahi. 5/10 Elderson Echijile--- As his name sounds 'Elder son' truly age is beginning to tell him that his days in the Super Eagles is numbered. He could not run to support the attack and make a quick recovery. He made a terrible tackle that would have led to being sent off but the referee was lenient enough to issue a yellow card. 4/10 Ogenyi Onazi--- Being a captain is a responsibility and not an opportunity to catwalk on the field. Ogenyi game has dropped drastically, too slow, comfortable with his low expectation performance. 4/10 Leon Balogun--- In as much as he is fit, he will always give his best. My fear is that he is injury and we pray against any 'Sergio Ramos' in his career. Little wonder he has been the coach choice and most consistence in the defense of the Super Eagles in the recent games. William Troost Ekong--- He won the man of the match and i think that says it all. Scoring the lone for his side. 9/10 Junior Lokosa--- Home boy the new name he got each time he touches ball in Port Harcourt. He made the NPFL followers proud. He was responsible for the free kick which eventually led to the goal. 7/10 Oghenekharo Etebo--- The second best player on the pitch in the friendly game. He has the strength, skill and energy to link the defense with the attack. His display tonight will definitely earn him a starting position in Russia. 8/10 Someon Nwankwo-- He debut though, but display maturity, calmness and skill each time he handles the ball. His back-flick heading that was saved by Congolese goalkeeper as well as his early minute shot that struck the goal post say a lot about his scintillating display in the game. 7/10 Kelechi Iheanacho--- He failed to deliver, play to the gallery and have below expectation performance. He lost a glaring and goal scoring chance in the first half due to non-challant attitude. 4/10 Joel Obi--- He did well in the middle of the pack move the ball to the attack and comes back to support the defense when the need be. 6/10 The 6 Substitutes will be rated below Shehu Abdullahi-- He did well during the qualifiers and still remain Super Eagles right back first choice. He came in to replace Ebuehi in tje second and did not have a bad game. 5/10 Ahmed Musa--- He replaces Ogenyi Onazi and contributed his own quota to the game but did not have enough time on the pitch. 5/10 Kenneth Omeruo-- Omeruo comes in to replace Leon Balogun and also have a good game 5/10 Ola Aina--- Chelsea FC player, Ola Aina disappointed Nigerian when he comes in for Elderson Echijile, he caused the penalty that led to the equlising goal. 4/10 Alex Iwobi--- He needs to know that he is one of the players Nigerians will be looking forward to when the heat is on the team at the world cup finals. He needs to do more. 5/10 Mikel Agu-- Another workaholic midfielder, he did well anyway. 5/10. Super Eagles will face the Three Lions of England on June 2 in London.