Super Eagles Player Grades : Iwobi, Balogun Shine; Akpoguma Shows Versatility; Ejuke Lively

Published: October 13, 2020
Super Eagles Player Grades : Iwobi, Balogun Shine; Akpoguma Shows Versatility; Ejuke Lively
The Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in their second friendly of the international break on Tuesday evening.

Allnigeriasoccer.com here rates the players' performance against the team they defeated en route winning the 2019 Afcon in Egypt.

The Starters


Maduka Okoye : Largely untested but produced two fine saves in the game especially the one that came two minutes from full time. 7/10.

Kevin Akpoguma : The Hoffenheim defender started at right back but finished at centre back on Tuesday night. Joined the attack a few times. 6/10.

Zaidu Sanusi : Another fine performance from the Porto left back. The newbie seem to have cemented his place in the team. Went off injured. 6.5/10.

Kenneth Omeruo : The team's vice captain on the night had an average game and was easily beaten by Juventus U-23 star Rafia Hamza who assisted Dragier Mohamed's equaliser. His performance improved in the second half. 5/10.

Leon Balogun : The Rangers of Scotland defender defended well and was willing to surge forward with the ball which helped the attacking efforts of the team. 7.5/10.

Semi Ajayi : Again deployed in defensive midfield role. Ajayi had a better first half than a second. 6/10.

Alex Iwobi : The Everton midfielder/forward was again lively as the main creative player in the middle of the pack. Iwobi's vision was superb. He found Ahmed Musa who was fouled in the Tunisian box but Kelechi Iheanacho's tame kick regretfully ensured it was not a second Nigerian goal. 8/10.

Samuel Chukwueze : The Villarreal winger was a menace with his pace and trickery. In fact it was him that had Nigeria's first effort on goal. 6.5/10.

Moses Simon : The Nantes forward was both an asset going as he was helping with defensive shifts in support of Zaidu Sanusi. 6/10.

Ahmed Musa : The captain's searing pace seems to be waning but his experience is still vital.  His leadership helped guard a very young side. 6/10.

Kelechi Iheanacho : Scored Nigeria's goal,  a very good one it must be noted but lost the chance to double it which ultimately would have guaranteed a goal with a weak penalty kick. 7/10.

The Substitutes

Chidozie Awaziem : The defender took the place of Akpoguma at the right back position and helped bring stability to the back line. The Tunisians found joy attacking from the position before he was introduced. 6/10.

Jamilu Collins : The usual left back replaced new boy Zaidu Sanusi when the latter pulled up with a groin complaint in the second half. Good outing but no guaranteed starting place henceforth. 5/10.

Cyriel Dessers : The Genk striker made his delayed debut for Nigeria. One noticeable side of his cameo appearance was his good link up play. He seemed to be promising with his back to goal. 5/10.

Chidera Ejuke : The CSKA Moscow winger was lively off the bench, went on a mazy dribbling run moments after his introduction. An exciting prospect indeed but must cut out too much of the dribbles when team is chasing a victory. 6/10.

Izuchukwu Okosi


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