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Omonia Nicosia of Cyprus goalkeeper, Francis Odinaka Uzoho staged a bold battle to reclaim his previous position as first choice for Nigeria’s national team, as he emerged top rated player for the Super Eagles against Ghana on Friday.
Megasportsarena.com reports that, while looking composed and relaxed in the Eagles’ goal at Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi, Uzoho went on to pull off at least three pivotal saves that earned his side a crucial away draw.
That left A cross-section of analysts unanimous in their verdict that the former Deportivo La Coruna and Elche of Spain shot-stopper was Nigeria’s best performer on the night, with allnigeriasoccer.com even going on to award him nine points out of ten.
The website’s overall ratings for the each of the Eagles’ players reads thus: Uzoho: Made some stunning saves in the game. Good competition for Maduka Okoye. 9/10.
Ola Aina: Had to be helped out defensively by teammates but he was a good outlet going forward. Overall his game has matured. 7/10.
Zaidu Sanusi: Initially was under immense pressure but grew into the game. Had a great cross which Victor Osimhen was unable to score from. 6/10.
Leon Balogun: Improved as the game wore on. He made a couple of sloppy passes. 7/10.
William Troost-Ekong: The captain was composed. Made vital blocks and clearances that saved the team from possible danger. Leader’s performance. 7/10.
Innocent Bonke: The Lorient defensive midfielder was not a quality replacement for Wilfred Ndidi.
Shied away from the ball and gave away free-kicks. Subbed off due to injury. 5.5/10.
Joe Aribo: Battling performance in bits but he was generally not able to constantly match up to the physical threat of the Ghanaians.
Should have scored in the 40th minute but couldn’t keep his shot down. Surprisingly substituted on the hour mark. 7.5/10.
Kelechi Iheanacho: Upped his game in the second half as he linked up well with teammates but his first half was terrible. 5/10.
Moses Simon: Now a marked man after his Afcon feat. He dazzled a few times but the hosts doubled up on him most times. His decision-making was sometimes quite disappointing. 4.5/10.
Samuel Chukwueze: Substituted in the second half. The Villarreal forward was a threat from the wings but his crosses need to get better. 5/10.
Victor Osimhen: Was full of running from the start to end of the game but was starved of service with the wingers largely ineffective.
Managed to have a shot on target in the 37th minute but the attempt was not powerful enough to beat the goalkeeper. 6.5/10
Emmanuel Dennis: The Watford striker played from the wings. He was also another marked man.
Having been ‘like a new signing’ will need some reintegration with his international teammates. Did a good job tracking back to help defensively. 5.5/10.
Ademola Lookman: The new boy on the block found things somewhat hard but he did have his chances especially with the crosses he made. 4/10.
Frank Onyeka: Had an encouraging game in the second half when he came off the substitutes’ bench.
Hopefully, Bonke recovers from his injury setback but it won’t be a surprise to see Onyeka start on Tuesday. 6/10.
Calvin Bassey: Promising performance on his debut but slow to return to his left-back position when he ventured forward. 5/10.
Oghenekaro Etebo: Yellow-carded for dissent after the penalty that never was which he orchestrated after a handball – ruled out due to Iheanacho’s foul in the buildup. 6/10.
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