The Super Eagles sealed an impressive win against the Pharaohs of Egypt in their AFCON 2021 Group D opening game at the Roumde Adjia Stadium, Garoua on Tuesday.
Following the impressive performance and well deserved win, Completesports.com here appraises the Austine Eguavoen’s men, player-by- player on a scale of 1 to 10, against the seven-time African champions.
Maduka Okoye (7)
Made a timely stop with his foot to deny Mohamed Salah who beat the offside trap.
Other than that chance didn’t really had much to do in the game as he commanded his area well.
Ola Aina (7)
Was a constant threat at the right side with marauding runs and dangerous crosses which was not taken advantage of.
Aside his attacking threats he carried out his defensive duties well.
William Troost-Ekong (7)
Had a shaky start but recovered well to marshal the defense line.
Made an important clearance from a dangerous cross with Egyptian players waiting to pounce.
Also Read – AFCON 2021: ‘Salah Magic’ Nullified As Super Eagles Outclass Egypt In Group D Opener
Kenneth Omeruo (7)
Just like Troost-Ekong, did well in dealing with any threat from the Egyptian attack.
Unfortunately, he had to go off after sustaining an injury.
Zaidu Sanusi (7)
The left-back did very well in taking care of Mohamed Salah who had to switch wings after being frustrated.
Joe Aribo (7)
Provided the assist for Iheanacho to put Nigeria ahead with a clever header.
Worked his socks off in keeping the midfield tight and helped the Eagles hold on to their lead.
Wilfred Ndidi (7)
Another player who put in the shift in the midfield to contain the crafty Egyptians.
Faded in the closing stage of the game as the Egyptians starting dominating.
Kelechi Iheanacho (8)
Scored one of the goals of the tournament with a superb strike which proved to be the winner.
Was deservedly named Man of the Match for his brilliant effort.
Moses Simon (7)
Kept the Egyptians verry busy in the first half and in the early part of the second half with his runs and dribbling.
Was later replaced deep into stoppage time after an impressive showing.
Samuel Chukwueze (6)
Wasn’t one of his best performance for the Eagles as he struggled to impose himself in the game.
Was later replaced with less than 20 minutes remaining in the game.
Taiwo Awoniyi (7)
Almost marked his AFCON debut with a header from a tight angle but was denied by a brilliant save by the Egyptian keeper.
Had to be replaced by running the Egyptian defense ragged.
SUBSTITUTES
Chidera Ejuke (6)
Was brought in to add bite to the attack but was the architect of two wasted efforts which would have killed off the Egyptians.
Umar Sadiq (6)
Made his Eagles debut after coming on for Awoniyi but didn’t do much to put pressure on the opponent’s back line.
Semi Ajayi (6)
Was brought on for the injured Omeruo for his AFCON debut and slotted in well as he helped the Eagles to see out the win by keeping the Egyptian attack at bay.
Kelechi Nwakali (6)
Another player who made his Eagles debut against Egypt after coming on for Iheanacho.
Did his own bit in keeping the midfield tight as the Egyptians came out in search of the equaliser.
Alex Iwobi (Not rated)
Came on late in the stoppage time for Moses Simon and helped the Eagles to the finish line.
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COMMENTS
Good rating but I think ndidi deserve 8
How did Nwakali get 6/10 rating?
Where are rohrs supporters come out and speak your mind , after the match today it was like January 1st , I felt the same joy of the new year in me again ,with a smile on my face saying the eagle just started flying ,Nigerians who neglected and underestimated Nigerian football play are shocked by this Match, they’re putting back attention and sincere support to the country football ,thats a win win thing for Nigeria.
They are not here o. Fifa rating was the cover for Rohr but Austin has come to proof Pinnick wrong about foreign coaches.
If after the nation’s cup, I hear say one foreign coach will win the world cup for us, the thunder, the thunder wey go fire the person is just recovering from covid 19 trust me.
I supported rohr and felt his sack wasn’t justified. I’m happy with the maximum points today and hope we go far. We’ve played 1 match. Let us hope we maintain the momentum and eguaveon go further than rohr did
Sorry you can’t find them here at all. They are deep in shame. Rohr left with his horrible changes. Am so glad eguavon listened and yes we won our first and best game in afcon so far..it was a final before final..good job @supereagles…
This team is still Rohr team, eguavon has not add any thing to team.
Good rating
If Eguaveon did not make those substitutions Egypt would have equalized……. This is the reason SE had thrown away many games after taking the lead during the reign of Rhor especially the latter stage of his reign as coach
Oga Rhor was poor in reading games and making timely substitution despite having a sound bench to win games.
He cost us early exit in Russia 2018.
Thank God he has gone.
If not the class of Zidane, Klopp, Pep, Conte, We don’t want to hear foreign coach employment again for eagles.
Bye bye to foreign mediocres as coaches of super eagles.
Let’s rise and fall with our own.
Yes we can!!!!! by ourselves.
Exactly @Akp,you are on point on Rohr. He should have been sacked long ago.
Some Rohr supporters are now beginning to see the truth.
It is amazing sha how some things will be so obvious and people will be acting blind.
This rating is not all right. Simon Moses should be the man of the match aside the fact that Kelechi scored the winner.
Wilfred and Omeru should have rated 8 each.
Saidu was also very helpful in keeping Salah quiet. So I will give him 8 too.
Other rating for is fair.
Rohr is now in our past please, let the old man enjoy his retirement o.
Dr arey where you at. Ogun nai go kill Rohr. A team he coach for 5 years. The Egyptians never post a threat
Dr drey have already move on from Rorh matter, he also saw and like how the eagles play today and he already praise them, so we move.
Anyone watching sudan vs guinea Bissau match. Sudan is actually playing better. Guinea Bissau were awarded a penalty and lost it.
Cant wait to play Sudan, get 3 more points then move on to guinea Bissau and play our reserves who will get 3 points as well.
Well I will say both players were 50/50 despite Guinea Bissau losing their penalty. I believe super eagles are way stronger if we keep to our same level of commitment. Also Don’t rule the fact that we may have beaten Egypt but they are way better than Sudan & guinea bissau..infant they may qualify to next round
I rate Moses Simon 9. He single handedly disturbed Egyptian defense and that he did with utmost confidence.
Yea. Moses is the man of the match. Even the commentator said Egypt always have problems with Moses right from the bible days
SE back to the normal 9ja wing play with attractive attacking football .
I have always been saying it Oga Rohr a.k.a Belmadi’s trainee is a glorified Mechanic but his only left over supporters that are suffering from white man inferiority complex would heaps all manner of insults on anyone that dare to say the truth.
Read Oga Rohr shameful press release ahead of the match , as usual already written off the boys as not having players in the top rated club … lol 6 years waste !!
Please read Oga Rohr ahead of the match , he should bury his head in shame
AFCON: Nigeria don’t have players in Chelsea, Man Utd – Rohr takes dig at Super Eagles – Daily Post Nigeria – https://dailypost.ng/2022/01/11/afcon-nigeria-dont-have-players-in-chelsea-man-utd-rohr-takes-dig-at-super-eagles/
Don’t let that old man issue bother you, he can say whatever he want, he is simply still in pain.
Aribo deserves 8….he collected balls…he also passed ball with sense and made vital assist
.
*Okoye Dida was Jobless (on holiday)
*Aina Cafu has finally sent Shehu packing cos I’m sure ebuehi’s performance will be similar to Aina’s
*Zaidu’s speed should be 98..tell Salah that this is Africa
*Ekong reminded me of Alex from Brazil..big, heavy but Active. Hope it continues.
*Omeruo of the past was brought to present only worrying about his lack of speed
* Indidi? Normal
* Aribo, a launcher. Reminds me of viera. Advise him to go to Crystal palace please. He can learn more from their coach.
* Chukwueze? One more game to be sure. I know u will take the next game upon your head.
* Simon the career killer, the Egyptians wanna go to Europe too but you made them remain in their Arab leauge. Sorry I never felt u in the past
* Senior man Kels, Thanks for the Man city’ s spirit.
* Hmm..Awoniyi turned to babertov with ball control..lol he can control with whole part of his body.
* Nwakali? Still trying to remember one flash from u. Just thank your team mates for covering your ass.
* Ejuke Babangida , u can do better
* Sadiq? One more game to find out
* Iwobi..the guy after my heart, u shall be back.
* Eguavoen? Try and start Ndah next match, after all, his name followed the first 28 names ahead of Ajayi. Give me more of these kinda game then we are good.
Overall, Naija played like they used drug. CAF..please test them..lol.
@sean Awoniyi with Babertove ball control, Thierry Henry’s Speed and Didier Drogba’s physicallity.
Shout out to those of us that clamoured for his invitations when he was constantly left out of the team. Myself, Iwunze, Jimmiball etc
Today’s match showed what youthfulness can do in a match, not some old guys should be retiring buy now
Where is OmoNaija.
He is one of the guys that always make brilliant comment here.
I am here ooooo my man. Thanks for the accolade @Godsate. That victory sweet me wela lolz.
Wow wow wow. Shebi I told you that Mr. No nonsense would wow us all today Nigerians?
I have said a lot today and I am tired right now.
When we are talking about Football, I respect we patriotic Nigerians a lot. Bravo!!!!
I noticed one thing about today’s match.
Congratulations to Nigeria. Congratulations to “our own”.
However, our strikers were wasteful in front of goal. I will blame Eguavoen for that.
I have said it before our first match today that the missing link in this team is Dessers.
Since that we don’t have Osimhen available for this Afcon, Mr. No nonsense would have brought in Dessers.
Our wingers/strikers also selfish in today’s match. It is not about who scored the goal but it is about Nigeria. I know. R. No nonsense will make corrections on that.
More so, as we are moving forward in this tournament, concentration is key, and taking one game after the other is very important and no room for complacency.
I trust Mr. No nonsense though, He never relents which is what our players needed. What a discipline coach he is.
I thank God and I also thank Mr. No nonsense and his crew for one thing today. He have opened NFF, Oga Rohr and his followers eyes yakata to see that they just wasted 5 years for nothing.
On the other hand, I appreciate Oga Rohr because he tried his best but his very best wasn’t enough and he should have gone after the world cup but NFF with their corruption ėhn.
How many days coach Eguavoen have spent with the team so far?
I haven’t seen Oga Rohr followers to come out to say congratulations to our own. They not Nigerians?
What the foriegn coach failed to do in five years, our own has done it in one week kę. We can restore Nigeria glory together if we put our hearts together.
That is the reason why I am here on this forum. Amaju and his company have no hidden place. We don’t need a foreign coach anymore. Enough is enough and the NFF President and his members should be ready to leave their positions after this Afcon in Cameroon. Up Nigeria. Up Super Eagles. God bless Nigeria and Nigerians!!!
_ Super Eagles Player Ratings Against Egypt _
Eguavoen-tutored Super Eagles produced an exhilarating, entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable brand of football today in their slim but sumptuous 1:0 victory against Powerhouse Egypt in a match truncated several times by bizarrely punctured footballs in the 1st half.
Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho put the Super Eagles on the front foot with a ferocious stab in 30 minutes after excellent work from Moses Simon down the flank and my Man of the Man Joe Aribo from midfield.
That lead proved unassailable as the Super Eagles dominated play, dictated the rhythm and contained the Egyptians for majority of the encounter.
It was a vibrant and uplifting display by the Super Eagles. Fans were kept engaged throughout; the swagger, energy, bravery, positivity, flair and outlook that had in years gone by been a staple of the Super Eagles franchise was resurrected in the space of 95 minutes against Egypt.
I now examine below how the players rated in an encounter sure to take its place in the community of memorable Super Eagles Afcon group matches.
Starters:
Goalkeeper:
1. Maduka Okoye (6.5/10) had to be alive in the second half to prevent a tricky goal bound effort from Salah. His cunningly outstretched left leg was all it took to prevent the Liverpool man, who had expertly beaten an offside trap, from levelling the scores for his side deep inside the 18 yard box with a deceptive low drive. The importance of that save could not be over-stated as it displayed an impressive side of Okoye’s keeping repertoire. Okoye made several saves in this encounter but 90% of them were routine. His distribution left a bit to be desired at times.
He also looked a bit on edge and seemed to dread what might come his way. He also seemed to be indecisive on occasions as to whether to come out or not; his starting positions remain suspect. The communication with his defenders still needs to be worked on as well as his clearances as one of them in this match didn’t seem all that convincing.
In all, Okoye had a decent display. He is expected to face sterner tests in subsequent games where his goalkeeping credentials will be called into question more than today.
Full-backs:
2. Ola Aina (8.5/10), facing a challenge to his position from Ebuehi, put up an energetic and fascinating performance today. Offensively and defensively, the Torino man was astute. He made an amazing run from just outside his own 18 yard box to the opposite 18 yard box before he could be stopped. Still, Iheanacho had the chance to benefit from that run to put Nigeria 2 goals ahead but his first touch let him down. Aina executed some crunching yet effective tackles and his long balls held promise.
In what was a recurring theme of several Super Eagles players in this match, Aina accomplished several headed clearances with aplomb. He ghosted into the 18 yard box unseen in the second half only to see his attempted cross deflect for a goal kick. For a defender, Aina kept the Egyptians on their toes offensively as they had to pay attention to the threat he posed. He delivered a great cross to Taiwo Awoniyi in an offensive plot and in another defensive plot he foiled Salah’s effort with a great tackle. These displays generated a facial flush of fascination as they provided rich points of highlights to revisit the match and watch.
On this showing, it will be difficult to see Ebuehi wrestle the starting shirt off Aina: he was cleanly and unreservedly brilliant today!
3) Sanusi Zaidu (7/10) was very focused and business-like in his approach today. A flamboyant display was expected from the Porto man but that wasn’t forthcoming. What he did, however, he did well for most parts. Earlier on in the first half, Sanusi was caught out of position and this could have been costly for Nigeria. Moses Simon came to his aid a few times with some last ditch interceptions in the 18 yard box.
Having said that, Sanusi’s throw-ins had the potential to cause mayhem. He made himself available as an offensive outlet on a number of occasions but his crosses (particularly in one instance) could have been a whole lot better. His communication with Simon was good as well as his movements which were purpose-driven. He stayed focused for the most parts and was very comfortable performing both offensive and defensive facets of his game.
On this showing, I am afraid to say Sanusi has left a scope for others to eye his position. This Super Eagles outfit is very competitive so players have to be boiling hot for their starting position not to be in threat. Sanusi was hot, but I wouldn’t describe his performance as piping hot (particularly when it comes to crosses and deliveries). What is noteworthy is that he played a huge part in shackling Mo Salah. Perhaps this meant he couldn’t take many risks today.
Centre-backs:
4) William Troost-Ekong (8/10) was totally unrecognizable from the low-in-confidence error-prone defender that we have witnessed of late. His passes from the back were beautiful to watch: these were simple, effective and expertly dispatched as were majority of his long balls that found their mark. As already mentioned as a theme in this match, Ekong also executed some beautiful headed clearances that traversed the ball away from danger. He was also positionally astute. On one occasion, after Moses Simon was beaten hook, line and sinker at the edge of the 18 yard box, Ekong stood his grounds to make a crucial clearance; those were the made-for-nostalgia moments that we Super Eagles fans yearn for.
Ekong was thoroughly dialled in today. He was aware of his surrounding, focused, assured and played like a true leader. He commanded his area with urbanity and played like an English Premier League defender. His interaction with Omeruo was seamless as they both look set to continue from where they left off from the last Afcon if Omeruo stays fit.
5) Kenneth Omeruo (7/10), who almost scored one of his trademark headers from a corner kick, rolled back the years today to suggest that perhaps he still has one major tournament left in him after all. The Leganes man grasped the nettle to take the fight to the Egyptians on several occasions. In fact, he had a hand in Iheanacho’s goal as his purposeful run and pass from the back contributed to the sequence of events that delivered the ball to Iheanacho.
He too was involved in some of those beautiful headed clearances that were a defensive staple of this match. There was one deft-defying sliding tackle that he executed further up the pitch in the first half that threw me to the edge of my seat: it was great stuff, what you pay to see as a Super Eagles fan and Omeruo did not leave me short-changed.
Omeruo read the game intelligently as he was well positioned to snuff out considerable danger on occasions. It was a shame to see him go off injured. His wealth of experience, cool head and willingness to get ‘stuck in’ should serve Nigeria well in games to come.
Midfielders:
6) Wilfred Ndidi (7.5/10) was also on hand late in the match to accomplish his own headed clearance that helped the Super Eagles retain the slim lead. It is easy to think Ndidi was not in this match but the simplicity and ease to which he carried out his defensive midfield duties can only be admired and applauded by those who watched the match from a technical standpoint.
Eguavoen’s strategy today was to starve Mo Salah of service. Crucial to that was the Defensive Midfield thwarting the Egyptians attacking initiatives before the ball gets to Salah. Step in Ndidi who displayed master class in defensive midfield ethos. His interceptions, tackles and follow passes held things together deep in midfield and afforded Aribo the space and freedom to foray forward at will.
Ndidi had a lame effort on goal but found his colleagues time and again with simple passes that ensured that the Super Eagles dictated the tempo of the game and helped Nigeria to be on the front foot.
Ndidi is truly one of a kind in tackles and interception interspersed with simple but accurate passes.
7) Joe Aribo (9/10 – my Man of the Match) finally reprised his seminal classics against Ukraine and Brazil in a performance that proved beyond reasonable doubt that the Rangers man is a top quality effervescent centre midfielder. Aribo was a joy to watch. The whole pitch was his stage as he waltzed across it with poise, elegance and grace. It was almost like watching him ice skating elegantly on grass! Aribo made light work of an Egyptian defender before sliding a glorious through ball to Moses Simon in the first half just outside the 18 yard box.
He did more than his fair share of high press which put the Egyptians under intolerable pressure. Aribo was positive with his runs and purposeful with his passes. He popped up everywhere on the pitch to do the job normally done by Iwobi, but this time with a bit more class. One of his runs made him profit from an attempted Egyptian headed clearance off a Moses Simon cross before finding Iheanacho who made no mistake for Nigeria’s goal.
On this showing, it is hard to see anyone dislodge Aribo from the Super Eagles starting line up: he was plainly and exceptionally magical today. I really can’t speak too highly of his performance. The midfield play that we fans yearned for so long was calmly conceived and expertly executed throughout by Aribo today.
8) Kelechi Iheanacho (7.5/10) took his chance teeth and claws today with the sort of ruthlessness associated with a striker that had once been coached by the legendary Pep Guardiola. Latching on to an assist from Aribo in 30 minutes, Iheanacho stomached the ball before unleashing a belter that was indescribable in its ferocity from the edge of the 18 yard box to send Super Eagles fans everywhere into a frenzy as the ball smashed into the back of the net. Before that, he would try to browbeat his way into the heart of the Egyptian defence only to end up taking on one man too many. Iheanacho became very selfish later on, electing to shoot from impossible angles when his colleagues were better placed elsewhere.
His heavy touch, after Aina’s incredible run across the pitch, led to a glorious opportunity wasted to add gloss to the score-line. I think he tired early in the second half as his impact waned and his movements diminished. His choices were poor at times.
However, his communication with his former Under-17 partner in crime Awoniyi was amazing. They located each other severally with passes that held much promise. In fact, a through ball to Awoniyi almost resulted in a goal at some point.
On this showing, despite his goal, Iheanacho has left room for others to eye his starting 11 slot. He will need to maintain and sustain his concentration level and be more altruistic with the ball to be classed by me as a starting-11 Untouchable.
Wingers:
9) Samuel Chukwueze (6/10) was rather muted in this encounter. Over-reliance on his left leg left him rather predictable. The offensive intensity that usually defines his game was conspicuously missing today. He did his best to help the team maintain its shape and was also ready to funnel back to perform defensive duties.
I seem to remember one of his corner kicks proving slightly problematic for the Egyptian defence and also a low cross (with his left foot) that he executed to try to locate Iheanacho. Perhaps his mother should concentrate more of her prayers on divine intervention for his right foot based on a video circulated on social media recently.
All in all, this would go down as a forgettable performance for Chukwueze. He was unable to either stamp his authority on the match or generate any meaningful wow moments. And his performance was totally eclipsed by Moses Simon on the other side. His take-ons failed to take-off and he seemed incapable of bringing a rabbit out of his boot.
But, as part of a cohesive unit, Chukwueze was not drawn out of position. He made his presence felt by going for the ball but it was what he did with it that ended up being unimaginative for most parts.
Chukwueze’s starting-11 position is definitely up for grabs based on this performance.
10) Moses Simon (8.5/10) was narrowly beaten to my Man of Match awarded by Aribo who played like a midfielder possessed. Very much criticised under Rohr (in fact many fans were surprised to see him in the starting line up today), this was a tale of a winger reborn. Simon was an absolute joy to behold today. His take-ons were excellent even though the subsequent crosses could have been better. Even at that, one of those crosses led to the attempted headed clearance that fell kindly to Aribo who squared it to Iheanacho to make it 1:0.
Simon peppered the Egyptian backline time and again. He was the proverbial thorn in their buttocks. One instance where he executed a flick exchange with Iheanacho was a made-for-reminiscence moment. Simon lifted the crowd today. He brought the fans to the edge of their seats. His performance paid homage to evergreen wing displays of the likes of Tijani Babangida and John Utaka with his purposeful runs to the by-line and the way he ruffled the feathers of the Egyptians. One of those runs and crosses almost led to another Nigeria goal.
He also tracked back severally to perform his fair share of defensive duties, something that makes him the most valuable and complete winger available to the Super Eagles at this time. For all the encomiums that will come his way for his performance today, Simon still executed some wayward crossed and also displayed poor judgement by electing to shoot rather than pass on occasions.
All in all it was still an upbeat performance from the Nantes man. His offensive and defensive attributes will make it difficult for him to be benched in future matches.
Striker:
11) Taiwo Awoniyi (7/10) was excellent with high press. The Afcon debutant rode roughshod over the Egyptian defenders at times as they struggled to contain him. Another of those presses led to set-pieces to be awarded for Nigeria.
After a 1 – 2 marriage passing manoeuvre with Iheanacho in one instance, Awoniyi unleashed a shot that the goalkeeper had to put asunder. His interaction with Iheanacho was promising as they kept the Egyptian defence busy with their movements and interplay of passes. In fact, it was while the Egyptian defender was trying to prevent Awoniyi from heading the ball that it fell kindly to Aribo to assist Iheanacho’s goal.
After he was subbed off, a lot of that pressing was lost. Awoniyi’s potential pace was always going to cause the Egyptians problems if given the chance. All in all, Awoniyi’s has done his starting 11 credentials no harm. On this showing, he has the potential to grow into the tournament if the coaches do the needful and persist with him.
Substitutes: to be continued…
Excellent ratings and even better comments.
_Substitute Players and Coach Ratings:_
1.Sadiq Umar (6.5/10) tried to outrun the Egyptian defender but lacked the pace to pull it off. His neat flick found Iheanacho on one occasion while his hold up play found Ejuka in another instance. He must have read and absorbed his defensive brief as he supported the backline expertly at a time the Egyptians were in ascendancy.
Umar tried to plug into the pace of the game but struggled with this initially. He was somewhat unable to reproduce the sort of attacking-press that Awoniyi executed expertly. Offensively, Umar didn’t do anything exceptional and there is nothing to suggest to me that he will usurp Awoniyi to the starting 11 slot in the next match.
2. Kelechi Nwakali (6.7/10) slotted well into the shape of the Super Eagles off the ball when he was introduced. He tried hard to see more of the ball but he was introduced at a time when the Super Eagles had to batten down the hatches to repel slightly sustained waves of Egyptian attacks. So, he best contribution came off a counter attacking manoeuvre when his visionary through ball freed up Ejuke who launched into the Egyptian 18 yard box before his effort was smothered by the goalkeeper. On Aribo’s monumental showing today, it is difficult to see Nwakali making his place to the Super Eagles starting 11 today.
Nwakali comes across as a midfielder who would need some time to grow into a match; a luxury that he doesn’t have with this current hungry Super Eagles Squad.
3. Semi Ajayi (5.5/10) was introduced to ensure Nigeria does not concede a goal in the dying minutes after Omeruo’s injury-induced exit. He slotted in well and stayed focus so that the team’s shape will not be distorted.
He didn’t put a foot wrong.
4. Chidera Ejuke (6.5/10) appear to overestimate his speed and its usefulness. Rather than be patient to gauge his options and then pick the most viable opportunity, he just elected to run and run. On one such occasion, he was actually beaten for pace an Egyptian defender. On another occasion, after a through-ball for Nwakali, he ran and elected to shoot (which was parried near-post by the goalkeeper) rather than pick out Iwobi who was better placed in the heart of the midfield with his (Iwobi’s) markers already pre-occupied.
Having said that, there were times when he was calm in possession. However, his eagerness to run and score jeopardised his own good works.
4. Alex Iwobi (5.5/10) took up promising positions from the few minutes he spent on the pitch. He is capable of so much more if afforded more minutes.
Coach:
Augustine Eguavoen (9/10) was spot on with his formation and players selection today. His approach to have the Super Eagles gang up on Mo Salah particularly towards the end of the game paid dividends as it neutralised the threat of the Egyptian superstar. His Super Eagles were on the front foot and were able to string meaningful passes together. In his highly respected YouTube video, Eguavoen talked about “attacking as a unit and defending equally as a unit”. We saw these on display today in the way the likes of Simon, Aina, Aribo, Sanusi and Sadiq Umar carried out their duties with military-style precision. His Super Eagles looked comfortable with and without the ball.
Also, as he postulated in his YouTube video, wing play – a delicious and historical staple of Nigeria’s football and identity – was in full display and actually contributed to the solo winning goal. The Super Eagles were proactive and not reactive like under his predecessor. They were often on the ascendancy as they seemed to show little respect for Egypt.
The brand of football was vibrant, vivifying, gratifying and very memorable. I see myself downloading this match and watching it on the aeroplane rather than the in-flight entertainment. I am thoroughly satisfied with it.
You either pay or sacrifice your time to watch an expansive, entertaining and enthralling Super Eagles outfit and this, Eguavoen delivered today. Indeed, the Super Eagles that we know and love is back!
Wonderful analysis. Spot on !
Umar sadiq is just like Paul Onuachu, he can’t charge ball like Osemhen. I saw coach eguvoun shouting for him to mark ball.
Here are my ratings the way I saw it.
Coachie: with all the pressure considering the haphazard preparations and controversy surrounding rohr’s sacking and his appointment, all eyes were on him and his staff and he got it absolutely spot on today. The biggest credit is getting the boys to play with the true Nigerian spirit and joy. Forget tactics and formations and give Cerezo credit for getting Nigerians on board. His in-game management was also on point. 9/10
Maduka: not much to do and one or two shaky moments when crosses were sent in but he made the crucial save to deny mo with 20 minutes left. If Salah scores there, we all feel different about this game. His distribution was up and down but I wont complain much. 7/10
Zaidu: didn’t maraud much but on one or two occasions looked dangerous. However, did an admirable job performing his primary role of defending especially considering that his chief opponent was none other than Mo Salah. Of course he had help but he was part of a group that did the job on the day 7.5/10
Omeruo: I’m not a fan of his by any stretch but today credit for is given where it is due. Was part of the group that set the tone of aggression that was the theme of the day. Made a few timely tackles and clearances and even sprung some attacks. More of this from the leganes man. Sadly he may he done for the competition 8/10
Ekong: On the day, his form was outstanding. He played like his hair was on fire. Led admirably from the back and was thwarted some attacks in the second half. Was very composed. Keep this up please. 8/10
Aina: must have been the first to celebrate Rohr’s departure. This kid represents all that one hopes for in a foreign born Nigerian. Defended with aggression and intelligence, then started bombing forward in the second half. He’s a factor and needs to be encouraged to shoot more. The right back position is his if there’s no mago mago 8/10
Ndidi: no need to evem say much. He was a man of the match candidate doing what he normally does. Completely outclassed his egyptian midfield counterparts by being aggressive, winning tackles cleanly and springing attacks from his team platform. I would like him to work on his ball striking for I fear thats what separates him from being world class. 8.2/10
Aribo: To me ehn, this was his best game inside Africa. He was bossy and oozed confidence, class and Humble arrogance. Got the assist. He’s coming out of his shell and of course he enjoyed playing in his natural position. Tired a hit in the second half which may have led to his bad decision during a counter attack where a pass to Chukwueze would have been the better decision. 7/10
Kelechi: Senior man dazzled today. Apart from the superb goal, At one point in the first half, he was running the show. His combination with Taiwo is natural. Fizzled off in the second half and the dreaded first touch issues let him down when an empty goal post beckoned. We need more of this from you Kelz. 7.9/10
Samu: Football is like this sometimes. When the entire team performs, one guy may still be below average. But if you take a critical look at Samu’s performance, it wasnt bad at all. He attracted attention from at least two egyptians anytime he had the ball and he did a yoemans job supporting the right side of the defence in the first half. It was almost as if he switched roles with Rohr’s moses simon today. He’ll be better. 6.6/10
Moses: Man of the match gbam! His dribblecaused egypts right back to blow out his knee. The replacement no reach. Man where has this Mose been with us? This more than any other performance is exhibit A of why Rohr had to go. Now let’s work on those crosses! 8.4/10
Taiwo: This kid is so underrated but man is he good. He’s only gonna get better too. Led the line selflessly and really could have had a goal if not for El Shanawy’s sharpness. Great understanding with seniorman and took a beating from the Egyptian backline for the cause. We are blessed to have him. 7.5/10
Subs(no ratings given)
Nwakali: The good work he did is the type that doesn’t get noticed. Did his part to harry the egyptians and was involved in a counterattack toward the end where he made two key simple passes to keep the attack flowing from our 18 to theirs
Ejuke: he’s our wildcard. He’ll have improve but he immediately strikes fear into opposing defenders hearts
Umar: he’ll figure it out hopefully. Tough to debut in a major competition. Someone needs to let him know to play to his strengths
Ajayi: did his job. Made one timely tackle inside the box to thwart a goal scoring opportunity
Iwobi: Didnt have any time to do anything but we’re gonna need something from him this afcon.
Finally, the supporters: Whether it was us on this forum or the average man on the streets, we pushed our Eagles to perform up to the expected standard. Well done! The atmosphere inside that stadium was nuts especially after we took the lead. One thing is clear, our voices are being heard. Let’s not relent and keep demanding the very best from the NFF, coaches and the players. Many more games to come. Up Super Eagles!
@Deo, great analysis there. Only snag is UMAR’s score. I believe he was below average. Struggling to recall any meaningful contribution. His lack of pace and pressing actually allowed the EGYPTIANS back into the game. Aside that, I thoroughly enjoyed your in-depth post mortem of the match. Its like you replayed the game on slow motion as you typed those beautiful ratings. You never missed ONE single detail. God bless you always.
Also kudos to all forumites.
Meanwhile here’s WHOSCORED.COM’s views about some of our players on the night: (I completely agree with them).
With a rating of 7.81, Ola Aina was the best rated player, winning the Man of the Match award ahead of Zaidu Sanusi (7.67) and Joe Aribo (7.60).
Nigeria had fifteen shots of which five were on target with Chidera Ejuke and Taiwo Awoniyi registering a joint-game high two efforts on target each and Iheanacho with one ending up in the back of the net.
Aina, Sanusi, Omeruo, Aribo, Simon and Awoniyi won one foul each; the Union Berlin striker showed the other side of his game by committing a game-high five fouls, one less than the whole Egyptian team combined.
Wilfred Ndidi finished with a passing accuracy of 85.2 percent, a team-high figure for those that started the game, was the best Super Eagles player in aerial duels with four won and finished with a team-high 69 touches to place first ahead of Aina (68).
When it came to key passes, Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze recorded four, more than any other player that tasted action for both teams.
Troost-Ekong’s seven clearances was a joint game-high figure, along with Egypt’s Ahmed Hegazy.
Moses Simon succeeded with four take-ons, a game-high figure, ahead of Zaidu Sanusi (3) , Ola Aina (2) and Zizo (2).
The Chelsea academy product registered a game-high six tackles while the Porto fullback stood out in interceptions with three, the most by a Nigeria player.
Oh wow Lord AMO, I agree with this. I consider this of high quality and you got it right on the subs too.
Well done