How Nigerian Players Rated Against Germany: Who Was The Weakest Link?

Following Nigeria’s 2-0 loss to Germany in the semifinal of the Olympic Games on Wednesday night, allnigeriasoccer.com’s editor and expert on Nigerian players abroad rates the players that were in action in Sao Paulo.

Emmanuel Daniel (7) : Cannot be blamed for the two goals conceded by the Nigerian team. The Germans would have scored more if not for his crucial saves. Should improve his positioning.

Abdullahi Shehu (5) : Was caught out several times by the German strikers. Was unable to read the game and did not know when to overlap or stay back to defend.

William Troost-Ekong(8) : Ekong was poor in Nigeria’s first game in Rio but has been one of the best players as the competition progressed. Worked like a horse, looked solid and dominated the defense.

Sincere Seth (5) : Struggled as the fullbacks. Has no international quality. Saturday would have been a better option.

Stanley Amuzie (4) : I’d say the best position to play Amuzie at this tournament was as left winger, especially with Madu also making the squad. Did not offer anything in all the games he featured, defensively.  Played too high up the pitch, will not be happy watching a replay of his wasted free kick in the 81st minute.

Ndifreke Effiong (4) : A big task for the local lad to step into the shoes of Okechukwu. Failed the test. Lacks international quality and it’s strange how he made the 18-man squad in the first place.

Usman Mohammed (6) : Poor boy. Was only going to struggle due to the absence of Okechukwu. Did not shield the backline as expected.

Aminu Umar (5) : Has always played well for the Nigerian teams but was not at his best against the Germans.

John Obi Mikel (7) :  Excellent going forward., with good dribbling skills. Had a good chance to equalize in the first half. When he was not with the ball, he lost his way.  Poor decision making to allow Amuzie take the free kick in the closing minutes.

Sadiq Umar (2) : The worst performance by a Nigerian player at any level I have witnessed in the last 30 years. Wasted a good opportunity in the first half, was nervous throughout the game, had no physical presence.  One should question the coaching abilities of Siasia, seeing him on the pitch for more than an hour.

Imoh Ezekiel (6) : The former Standard Liege young star has been Nigeria’s most hardworking player in Brazil. If he can add goals to his game at international level, sky’s the limit. Well done Imoh!

Substitutes

Junior Ajayi (4) : An unfit Junior Ajayi had more physical presence than Umar when he was introduced. Could not put his imprint on the game due to his match rustiness.

Saliu Popoola (3) : Was running aimlessly after he came on. Failed to launch attacks. But one thing you can’t take away from him is that he has excellent public relation skills.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : fifa.com