Expert Opinion: How The Super Eagles Rated Against Niger Republic

The Super Eagles defeated the Mena of Niger Republic 2-0  on Tuesday courtesy of goals from Ahmed Musa and Moses Simon.

Compared to the African Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania, the performance of the players really improved.

We evaluate the performance of the Super Eagles players against Niger Republic with regards to their input in the match.

Carl Ikeme : 6/10 - Showed good reflexes on his second cap but had little to do as Niger Republic rarely troubled the Nigerian goal.

Solomon Kwambe : 5.5 -  Made a clumsy challenge in the second half in the right back position. Looked jittery at times on the ball and was hurled off for Troost-Ekong late in the second half.

Godfrey Oboabona :  6 - Not the best of performance from Godfrey but showed signs of his quality with some nice defending  .

Kenneth Omeruo : 7 -  Had a good game at the center back, making crucial interceptions in the defense. He passed the ball around better and made a dashing run in the first half.

Chima Akas : 6 -  Had a moderate game at the left back. Not the best in terms of his positioning but made some good forward passes to Moses Simon.

Obiora Nwankwo :  6 - Way Jittery at some point and lacked confidence and initiative in possession in the first half.

Had a better second half as he turn his marker in the middle. Made some quality passes to show a glimpse of his quality. Must improve to keep his place in the team. 

Usman Mohammed : 7 -  The home- based player from FCTaraba was good in possession. His touches and awareness on the ball were awesome.

His substitution caused Nigeria to struggle in the midfield  at some point in the game. 

Rabiu Ibrahim : 8 -  What a performance from Rabiu linked the midfield to the attack. Wonderful performance as his touch and tiny dribbled opened up space in the final third.

Ahmed Musa :  6.5 -  Showed his quality occasionally but was guilty of some poor touches. Needs to work on his crosses.

Musa must improve as especially with Moses Simon waiting on the wings.

Anthony Ujah :  6 - A good moment from the German based striker to win a penalty for the first goal. Still searching for his first goal for the Super Eagles.

Sylvester Igboun : 7 -  Had a good game and must have silenced critics that were against his call -up. Worked hard and switched play with some nice cross field passes to Musa on the wings.

Substitutes

Prince Aggrey : 4.5 -  Came on for Usman Mohammed but lacked the spark to control the midfield. Needs a bit of confidence.

Yaro Bature : 6 - Made some good run from the flanks as he was released by Obiora Nwankwo with a pass but took too much touches as he lost control of the ball when he tried cutting in from the right flank.

Emmanuel Emenike : 6 -  Was physical as usual and held the ball up well in attack. Though not his best performance but made great runs and good finish from him as he was set up by Rabiu, though was incorrectly ruled out for offside

Moses Simon : 8 -  Showed class with good dribbles, runs and marked a good performance with a goal. Good control and finishing.

William Troost - Ekong :  6 - A moderate cameo performance from Troost-Ekong as he added more stability to the defense with some good clearance at the back.

Ikechukwu Ezenwa : 5 -  Came on for Carl Ikeme but had little to do as Nigeria pressed for the second goal. Had a good presence between the sticks for the remaining minutes of the game.

Photo Credit : thenff.com