Eagles player ratings : Balogun, Ekong come under scrutiny; Osimhen not himself; Awoniyi no saviour
Published: October 07, 2021The Super Eagles suffered a shock 1-0 loss to Central African Republic on matchday three of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
On a dark day for Nigerian football, a draw would not have been the end of the world, but the Gernot Rohr-led side conceded late when Karl Namnganda pounced on some sloppy defending to score the game-winning goal in the 90th minute.
Allnigeriasoccer.com's Izuchukwu Okosi was there at the Teslim Balogun Stadium and presents the player ratings' from the disappointing game.
The Starters
Goalkeeper
Francis Uzoho : Called to action as he made a vital save towards the end of the game. 5/10.
Defenders
Ola Aina : The right back defended well and supported the attack at will. However most of his crosses were over hit. 6.5/10
Jamilu Collins : The left back was jittery and almost put the team in trouble even before the visitors ' goal arrived. 5/10
Leon Balogun : The Glasgow Rangers central defender had poor communication with his defensive partner, William Troost Ekong. 4/10
William Troost Ekong : Had a better first half albeit he made a vital clearance in the second half. Was at fault with Balogun for the goal scored by CAR. 5/10.
Midfielders and Strikers
Frank Onyeka : The Brentford midfielder was impressive in the game but his first half was a better outing than the second. Sprayed the passes well and was supportive of Collins when the Paderborn defender darted forward. 6/10.
Joe Aribo : The Glasgow Rangers star was deep lying in his playmaking role albeit he lost possession several times. 5.5/10.
Kelechi Iheanacho : The Leicester man wasted a glaring chance to score. He would have redeemed himself with an assist for Victor Osimhen but the latter lost that chance. Subbed off at half time. 5/10.
Chidera Ejuke : The skillful midfielder cum winger was a delight to watch and was the fans' only cause to smile with his footwork and brilliant link up play. 7/10.
Moses Simon : Full of energy but his decision making was not top notch. 6/10.
Victor Osimhen : The Napoli striker bullied his markers at will but he was guilty of missing two gilt-edged chances to score. 5/10.
The Substitutes
Taiwo Awoniyi : Brought on half-time for his senior debut, the Union Berlin striker missed a glorious opportunity to open the scoring shortly after his introduction. 4/10.
Ahmed Musa : The substantive captain of the team brought urgency to the attack when he came on. But it was a tad too late to conjure up any magic. 5/10.
Samuel Kalu : The Bordeaux forward came close to delivering the goods from a free-kick but the ball flew agonizingly wide off target. That was his major impact from the bench 6/10.
Francis Uzoho : Called to action as he made a vital save towards the end of the game. 5/10.
Defenders
Ola Aina : The right back defended well and supported the attack at will. However most of his crosses were over hit. 6.5/10
Jamilu Collins : The left back was jittery and almost put the team in trouble even before the visitors ' goal arrived. 5/10
Leon Balogun : The Glasgow Rangers central defender had poor communication with his defensive partner, William Troost Ekong. 4/10
William Troost Ekong : Had a better first half albeit he made a vital clearance in the second half. Was at fault with Balogun for the goal scored by CAR. 5/10.
Midfielders and Strikers
Frank Onyeka : The Brentford midfielder was impressive in the game but his first half was a better outing than the second. Sprayed the passes well and was supportive of Collins when the Paderborn defender darted forward. 6/10.
Joe Aribo : The Glasgow Rangers star was deep lying in his playmaking role albeit he lost possession several times. 5.5/10.
Kelechi Iheanacho : The Leicester man wasted a glaring chance to score. He would have redeemed himself with an assist for Victor Osimhen but the latter lost that chance. Subbed off at half time. 5/10.
Chidera Ejuke : The skillful midfielder cum winger was a delight to watch and was the fans' only cause to smile with his footwork and brilliant link up play. 7/10.
Moses Simon : Full of energy but his decision making was not top notch. 6/10.
Victor Osimhen : The Napoli striker bullied his markers at will but he was guilty of missing two gilt-edged chances to score. 5/10.
The Substitutes
Taiwo Awoniyi : Brought on half-time for his senior debut, the Union Berlin striker missed a glorious opportunity to open the scoring shortly after his introduction. 4/10.
Ahmed Musa : The substantive captain of the team brought urgency to the attack when he came on. But it was a tad too late to conjure up any magic. 5/10.
Samuel Kalu : The Bordeaux forward came close to delivering the goods from a free-kick but the ball flew agonizingly wide off target. That was his major impact from the bench 6/10.
Izuchukwu Okosi
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All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
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