How The Flying Eagles Rated In The 4-0 Win Over North Korea

Godwin Saviour stole the show with a sensational brace as Manu Garba’s boys coasted to an inspiring 4-0 victory over Asian side North Korea in their second group match in the 2015 U20 World Cup Group E clash on Thursday morning at the Stadium Taranaki in New Plymouth, New Zealand.

The attacker announced his intention of taking the world by storm as he headlined talks and discussions heralding the victory while playmaker Kingsley Sokari grabbed a bullet and substitute Isaac Success also registered his 2nd goal of the tournament.

Flying Eagles coach Garba was in buoyant mood as his charges displayed enough promises especially in the second half.

But how did the Flying Eagles actually rate at the Stadium Taranaki?

Ademetan Abayomi runs the rule over the performance of the Africans on a memorable day.

Joshua Enaholo 6/10

Despite the horrific show by the goal tender in the 4-2 loss to Brazil, the technical crew kept faith with him for the match. The MFM FC goalie appeared far more confident in goal. But he was rarely tested.

Musa Mohammed 8/10

Convincing and visionary. The versatile full-back was accurate with his tackles and added bite to the Nigeria attack anytime he surged forward. He was denied by the upright and the goalkeeper in one or two situations.

Mustapha Abdullahi 7/10

Musty looked a bit more productive and covered well defensively. He kept running down the flank.

Wilfred Ndidi 7.5/10

The KRC Genk starlet was not seriously tested but was solid when called upon. The Koreans didn’t present much of a problem in attack. With stronger and hungrier opponents Ndidi could rise to the challenge like he has done several times in a Nigeria shirt.

Zaharadeen Bello 7/10

Ndidi’s partner at centre-back. Both boys combined well to ensure the Asians had little room to operate and cause any problem of a sort to the Nigeria team. He was a bit jittery in the first-half missing some crucial tackles but in the second-half he
was at his best to throw himself to timely tackles and clearances.

Idowu Akinjide 7/10

The Kogi-born midfielder picked up the mantle in a central midfield role and performed creditably. With Ifeanyi Ifeanyi working with him, the back-four was well covered as he did all the dirty job of mobbing up and was not overawed by the occasion.

Ifeanyi Ifeanyi 7/10

Energetic and inspiring midfield performance from the MFM FC midfielder. He showed quality as his contributions to the game was vital.

Kingsley Sokari 8.5/10

The Enyimba playmaker was one of the sparkling components of the Flying Eagles. With the midfielder playing behind the attackers, he looked quite ready per what he did on the pitch. Fully attacking minded and explosive on the ball, Sokari scored a
beauty of a goal and very few of his passes went astray. He will be vital for Nigeria in subsequent games at the U20 World Cup.

Godwin Saviour 9/10

Man-of-the-match. The winger earned his first start of the competition and he did enough to show his readiness to be the star player for Nigeria. His step-overs, vision and mobility caused the Asians all sorts of problems. He headed home the opener, before completing a brace with a cool finish in the 51st minute.

Taiwo Awoniyi 8/10

The powerful forward was resilient and full of energy. Awoniyi took on the Korean defence at heart and caused more problems for them defensively, giving them little time to think. He set up Saviour for the second goal and was unselfish with another assist to Success. His two assists made up for his misses in the match.

Bernard Bulbwa 6/10

Bulbwa tracked back when needed and showed glimpses of his talents at times. He made way for Success fifteen minutes from time.

Isaac Success 8/10

Grabbed his 2nd goal of the tournament and is asking for more like Oliver Twist. The forward fired an unstoppable drive home – real goal-poacher’s goal. He was lively for the 15 minutes he was on the pitch and was very difficult to handle when he got the ball.

Musa Yahaya 6/10

The Tottenham Hotspur starlet did his best for the duration he was on the pitch. He was innovative and his direct approach further gave the coaches options.