Spain-based central defender, Kenneth Omeruo made the best of his return to Nigeria’s starting line-up on Tuesday, as he marshaled a neat defensive formation that helped the Super Eagles win 2-1 away to Cape Verde, megasportsarena.com reports.
Starting alongside Portugal-based Chidozie Awaziem in the heart of the Eagles’ back-four, Omeruo reenacted memories of his earliest days in Nigeria’s senior national team, while Jamilu Collins also excelled on the left side of the defence line and Abdullahi Shehu filled in down the right.
Although Abdullahi was found wanting on a number of occasions, the summation of the Nigerian defensive efforts was well above average, on an evening Collins had a foot in one of the goals, Awaziem almost won a penalty and Omeruo pulled off a stunning clearance earlier in the game.
These form part of the highlights provided in a match report provided by allnigeriasoccer.com, in which ratings for each of the payers give Russia-based Chidera Ejuke topmost marks among the Nigerian lot, viz:
Maduka Okoye: He was left exposed by a defence that played a high line. Rushed out of his goal sometimes which almost cost the team. 6/10.
Shehu Abdullahi: The right back gave away the ball a few times in the first half and his crosses while supporting the attack were rather disappointing. 6/10.
Jamilu Collins’ low cross created the chance for the goal scored by Victor Osimhen in the first half. Cleared the ball in the 85th minute as the Cape Verdeans sought for their second goal. 7.5/10.
Kenneth Omeruo made the first clearance from a goal threatening situation in the 8th minute. Booked in the second half. 6.5/10.
Chidozie Awaziem: Should have won a penalty in the first half for the Super Eagles when a high boot from an overzealous defender ensured he needed the medics’ attention. Defended well. 6/10.
Innocent Bonke’s future invitations to the team must be questioned on the basis of his performance on Tuesday. The midfielder was rash in the challenges and was lucky not to have been booked.
He fluffed his chance to possibly score in the first half as his lackadaisical shot summed up his evening. 4/10.
Kingsley Michael: The Bologna midfielder was lively for the Super Eagles and drew a few tackles from the hosts. Released Osimhen with a defence splitting pass in the 65th minute but the latter’s cross was not utilized by a teammate. 5.5/10.
Chidera Ejuke: The best player for the Eagles especially in the first half as he twice tested Cape Verde’s goalkeeper with powerful shots. Sometimes overdoes his dribbling and tricks at the expense of the team. 8.5/10.
Ahmed Musa: Wasted a great chance to make it 2-1 early in the second half thanks to a promising cross by Victor Osimhen but his shot was tame. The Cape Verdeans dealt with his pace when he did surged forward. Substituted off in the second half. 5/10.
Moses Simon: His pace caused the Cape Verde problems in the first half but his crosses left much to be desired. His final balls were disappointing. 6.5/10
Victor Osimhen: Equalized for the Super Eagles and produced some lovely crosses in the second half as he darted to the left wing. 7/10.
The Substitutes – Terem Moffi: Had no spectacular moment that threatened the hosts in attack. 4/10.
Henry Onyekuru: Replaced Moses Simon. Onyekuru’s first contribution in the game was a scoffed shot which Vozinha smothered in the 74th minute. Booked for supposedly conning the referee as the Eagles, feigning a foul. 6/10.
Zaidu Sanusi: Came on in the second half in place of Chidera Ejuke. His defending was okay but his attacking forays were not terrific either. 4/10.
Paul Onuachu: Had a shot blocked by a defender in added time after coming on in the last few minutes of the game. 4/10.
