Super Eagles Player Ratings: Ekong & Simy Standouts, Lokosa Promising, Iwobi Hardworking, Omeruo Average

Published: May 28, 2018

The Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 stalemate by DR Congo in their pre-World Cup friendly at the Adokiya Amiesimaka Stadium on Monday evening.

But how did every one of the Nigeria players in action fare against the Leopards?

The Starters

Francis Uzoho: Was rarely troubled in the first period aside that Benik Afobe shot before he was called into a couple of saves after the recess. Well beaten from the spot by Malango Ngita. (7/10)

William Troost-Ekong: As usual, he was very dependable. Never shied away from his defensive duty throughout the game and even darted forward to open the scoring with a brilliant shot. (8/10)

Leon Balogun: Complemented his fellow center back, Troost-Ekong and kept the Congo attack on the fringes for much of the game. (6.5/10)

Elderson Echiejile: Kept width on the left and was not found wanting. Kept passing simple too while he also picked up a yellow. (6/10)

Tyronne Ebuehi: Proved astute in his defensive duties. Though attacking moves were not so impressive. Came off in the second period after picking up a knock. (7/10)

Ogenyi Onazi: Was not really spectacular in organizing the middle of the park. Played in Troost-Ekong for the opening goal. (6/10)

Joel Obi: Did well in his position and kept things simple. Drifted into space a couple of times. (7/10)

Oghenekaro Etebo: Etebo was charged with carrying the ball forward from midfield, a role which he excelled in. Sent a long-ranger inches wide of an unguarded Congolese goal. (6.5/10)

Kelechi Iheanacho: Was full of running during his time on the pitch but was afforded little space to exploit. (4/10)

Junior Lokosa: Always waiting to run in behind the opponent's defense though he was well stifled by the defenders. (6.5/10)

Simy Nwankwo: Calm in possession, silky with the ball and imposing in aerial attacks. Simy gave the DR Congo defense a lot to think about and went really close with a deft header and a shot that hit the post. (8/10)

The Substitutes

Alex Iwobi: Worked a lot after coming on in the second half and sent a sizzling shot inches wide of target after the Congolese equaliser. (7/10)

Ola Aina: The Chelsea starlet committed mistakes and gave away fouls, one of which led to a spot-kick. Offensively, he was better. (4.5/10)

Kenneth Omeruo : The Super Eagles had defensive problems when he was introduced. (5/10)

Mikel Agu: Replaced Joel in the second half and help steady the flow of the game. Passes were simple.(4/10)

Ahmed Musa: Went on his trademark runs after replacing Lokosa but couldn't force a winner for his side. A pacy runner with the ball to his feet. (6.5/10)

Abdullahi Shehu: Thrown on in place of Ebuehi in the 76th minute and helped see out the game. (5/10))

Emmanuel Chinaza