Expert Opinion: How The Eagles Rated Against Kenya

Nigerian football expert and Editor, allnigeriasoccer.com runs the rule on the Super Eagles players after the World Cup qualifying match against the Harambee Stars of Kenya on Saturday, March 23.

Vincent Enyeama: 7/10 - The Maccabi Tel Aviv custodian was stunned by Francis Kahata's free-kick goal in the 36th minute. On the whole he had a quiet game and on the few occasions he was called to duty, made some saves. His excellent positioning denied Kahata a brace on 80'. That was the most important act of the entire match. Would have been difficult for the Super Eagles to claw their way back into the contest.

Solomon Kwambe: 5 - The full backs were the missing links against Kenya. The 4-3-3 formation is perfected with adventurous wing-backs. You could notice that Efe Ambrose, who has mastered that position, was missed. Though Solomon was eager to join the attack, was not effective. Defensively, the Sunshine Stars player was okay.

Godfrey Oboabona : 6  - If he had not played an official game for close to 6 weeks, he did not show signs of being match rusty. But he must work on his ball delivery.

Kenneth Omeruo: 7 - Best Eagles defender on display. Gave Kenyan star and captain Dennis Oliech a tough time. However, he should improve on his tackling in subsequent matches.

Elderson Echiejile: 5 - Once again, Echiejile did not look too convincing in a national team jersey and there are now calls by the fans for Dynamo Kiev's Taye Taiwo to be handed a recall. It was his harsh tackle which led to a free-kick converted by Kahata. Does not have the qualities and skills of a modern day full back ala Efe Ambrose.

Obi Mikel: 6 - Not one of the best performances by the Chelsea man. Started the game slowly but later found his footing. His delivery was predictable. Perhaps, he wasn't complemented enough by Sunday Mba.

Sunday Mba: 4 - We know Mba has a tendency to drift in and out of games. Against Kenya, this was his worst performance in a Nigeria jersey. Was largely anonymous and had a poor work-rate throughout his duration on the pitch. It was a blessing in disguise he was substituted for goalscorer Nnamdi Oduamadi.

Eddy Onazi : 7 - Was full of running in the early part of the game but his influence faded away as the game progressed. By the way, it was only the fourth time Eddy was playing with Mikel and Mba and they failed to jell as a single unit.

Obafemi Martins: 5 -  Failed to impress the National Team selectors for the second time in succession. Did not have physical presence to trouble the Kenyan defenders. His finishing was also poor.

Brown Ideye: 6 - In all competitions, the Dynamo Kiev striker has not scored in his last five matches and has been criticized lately for his lack of form. Though his buildup play was impressive, was not clinical in front of goal. Must be said that Ideye does not enough skills to master the 4 - 3 - 3 formation deployed by Stephen Keshi.

Victor Moses: 8 - Overworked throughout the game. A natural winger cum striker, one of the players in the squad who understands Keshi's tactics. His pace and trickery caused the Harambee Stars problems as well as being a nuisance to the opposition.

Substitutes
Nnamdi Oduamadi - 7 - Replaced the flop of the game Sunday Mba. He sensationally scored an injury time equalizer. Overall, he caused Kenya problems when he was introduced. Has attacking flair to flourish in the 4-3-3 formation.

Ahmed Musa: 5  - Came on for Obafemi Martins. Yet again, the CSKA Moscow winger was very clumsy with his crosses.
 
John Ogu: Late substitution. Not enough minutes to impress.