Nigeria U20 Player Ratings Vs Senegal : Makanjuola The Bright Spark; Okon Promising; Tijani Awful; Ofoborh Below Average

Allnigeriasoccer.com's Izuchukwu Okosi here presents the match ratings of the Nigerian players.

The Starters

Olawale Oremade : The goalkeeper kept out one good shot but otherwise found it difficult to deal with what the Senegalese threw at him. He misjudged the flight of the ball in the 14th minute as Youssouph Badji went for a teasing cross  by Alpha Diounkou. Made two instinctive saves in the second half. 5/10.

Zulkifilu Rabiu : The right back who has played in all matches played by the Eagles was outwitted and outrun by the dangerous Amadou Sagna to score Senegal's first goal. 6/10

Ikouwem Udo Utin : The captain was yellow carded in the second half but he was generally effective in his defending. However  his best game for the team remained that against Qatar. 5/10.

Aliu Salawudeen : He partnered Igoh in the the heart of the defence. However he almost gifted the opponents a goal as a clearance from a tight angle almost had the ball roll to the right corner. 4/10.

Igoh Ogbu : Had a better game than in the previous against Ukraine. There was noticeably a better communication between him and Salawudeen. 5/10.

Kingsley Michael : Combative and full of industry as usual, the Perugia of Italy midfielder was substituted in the second half through injury. 5/10.

Nnamdi Ofoborh : The Bournemouth midfielder had a below average game, poorer than what he delivered against USA. The player gave away the ball once in each halves and was duly substituted off in the second half by Tom Dele-Bashiru. 4/10.

Aniekeme Okon : The liveliest Nigerian player on the day with his creativity. The Akwa United star's passes, vision and movements off the ball were pleasing to see in a team often criticised back home. Was credited with the Nigerian goal after his knee deflected in Makanjuola's freekick.

Okon is almost definitely not going to remain an Akwa United player for too long. Europe beckons for the playmaker. 7.5/10.

Maxwell Effiom : The Enyimba forward who would have offered more was substituted in the 28th minute of the match when he was fouled by  Cavin Diagne and had to be stretchered off to the dressing room. 4/10.

Success Makanjuola : The Water FC of Abuja forward was a bright spark for the Nigerian side with his runs and through passes which caused trepidation for the Senegalese defenders.

Had a goal from a freekick handed to Okon whose foot directed the ball to the net. The future is also bright for this boy. Promising. 7/10.
 
Tijani Muhammed : The striker's upper body strength was a tool to destabilize the Senegalese but some of his touches left much to be desired. 3.5/10.

The Substitutes

Tom Dele-Bashiru : Came on for Nnamdi Oforborh and helped improve the team in the second half by creating goal scoring chances.

It was a shock somewhat that Aigbogun did not start the Manchester City youngster alongside Okon. Their midfield combination and Ofoborh coming off the bench rather than starting would have offered more. 5/10.

Paul Eletu : The midfielder did not do much as he replaced an injured Kingsley Michael. He had a headed clearance in the box though. 4/10.

Yira Sor :  Was presented a chance to score from a promising counter attack but he could not get a goal from that opportunity. A decent player but has to work on his composure and final  ball. 5/10.

Izuchukwu Okosi