Flying Eagles Player Ratings Vs RSA : Defenders Utin, Ogbu Steal The Limelight; GK Olawole Stars; Muhammad Solid; Aremu Struggles

Published: February 05, 2019

Nigeria were held to a goalless draw by a spirited South Africa in their second group game of the 2019 AFCON tournament.

Here's how the Flying Eagles in action fared in Niamey :

Goalkeeper

Oremade Olawole: Pulled off a very fine save to deny Blom Njabulo in the opening stages but had little to do aside that. 7/10

Defenders

Ikouwem Utin: Was energetic on the right channel and made some marauding runs into the opponent's area. Final balls were hit and miss though. 8/10

Igoh Ogbu: Showed grit in defending. Out muscled Ngcobo a number of times in an outstanding display and even ventured forward on a couple of occasions. 8/10

Valentine Ozornwafor: Matched up to the little threat the Amajita posed in the second period. 7/10

Mike Zaruma: Was hardly troubled for the lack of efforts of the South Africans. 7/10

Midfielders

Michael Effiom: Went on some runs which didn't come off while his crosses seemed too close to the Amajita goalkeeper. Replaced by Gata in the closing stages. 6.5/10

Afeez Aremu: Was a passerby for most part of it and did very little to influence the game. Hooked after 56 minutes for Durugbor. 5/10

Jamil Muhammad: Soaked up pressure from the rivals when they came running at Nigeria. Sat deep for most part of it and snuffed out dangerous balls. Nearly won the game at the death with his daisy cutter but for the heroics of Kuhbeka. 8/10

Ibrahim Abubakar: Hardly put a foot wrong in his passing and was denied a goal with a finger-tip save from the impressive Kuhbeka in the first half. Came off for Okon after a good showing. 7/10

Strikers:

Adamu Alhassan: A very little influence upfront from Alhassan. Huffed and puffed but saw little come off for him. 6/10

Yahaya Nazifi: Drew a super save from goalkeeper Kuhbeka with a good header in the first half and looked stifled by the opposition defence. 6.5/10

Substitutes

Onyekachi Durugbor: Tried a 25-yard shot which was well gathered and was full of running after coming on. 6.5/10

Aniekeme Okon: Added on to boost midfield duties. 6.5/10

Adeshina Gata: Came on late in the game and had little time for influence. NA

Emmanuel Chinaza

Photo Credit : cafonline.com