EAGLES RATINGS AGAINST KENYA

EAGLES RATINGS AGAINST KENYA

Posted: Jun 06, 2013

VINCENT ENYEAMA

Enyeama had a great but quiet game throughout. He however did well in barking out orders to his rearguards who shielded him from rocket shots from Victor Wanyama. And when the Kenya had few chances that should have been converted, he did well to make his menacing presence felt. He was all smiles as he walked off the pitch and looked like he was just returning from a wedding ceremony.- 7

 ELDERSON ECHIEJILE

The FC Braga left back was kept busy by Francis Kahata who battled all through to ensure he got another goal like he did in Calabar. Elderson seems to have recognized his opponent well and must be commended for keeping the Thika United striker at bay. Elderson dug well into his tactical books of tricks to unleash Oduamadi on the Harambee Stars’ defence and would have Godfrey Oboabona to thank for covering up whenever he joined the attack. In all, he had a great game.- 7

 KENNETH OMERUO

This Chelsea-bound defender has continued to be the rave of the moment in the heart of Super Eagles defence and Nigeria’s opponents must be watching with envy as Omeruo checkmated all the runs of Kenyan strikers. He won virtually every aerial balls and did well to initiate attack. He was as cool and calm as cucumber when he had the ball and combined well with Godfrey Oboabona on night Nigeria needed a vital win. His future is bright for both club and country.- 8

 AMBROSE EFE

The Celtic of England was missed in the first-leg but he made up for his absence here in Kasarani with his tailor made passes. His system of play reminds one of Brazilian Cafu and he can only get better. Efe was a rock in the Eagles’ defence and Ahmed Musa whom he shares room with in camp really enjoyed Efe’s instinct and hunger for attacking play. He was applauded by the Kenyans and Wanyama must be ready to pay Efe in cash when both players resume pre-season.- 7

 GODFREY OBOABONA

This Sunshine Stars of Akure versatile defender look too good for Nigeria Premier league and suitors must be queuing up to have him sign the dotted lines when transfer window gets underway. He stood like a rock and never showed any sign of fatigue throughout the game. He was assigned to marshal Victor Wanyama and he did well to contain the Celtic star. Oboabona’s performance will continue to keep other defenders who are in the wings for the slightest opportunity to play for the national team in waiting. He had a smooth game and did not get into referee’s book.- 8

 MIKEL OBI

Nigeria plays well when Mikel is ready to play. His ability to combine the dual role of launching attacks and winning the 50-50 balls makes him a real ‘catalyst’ Keshi cannot do without at the moment. Unlike the first-leg in Calabar where he struggled to get most of his passes across, he was the general in the heart of the Eagles’ midfield and his ability to fire the first salvo at Wayama may have caused the Harambee Stars’ captain to move to the wings. The entire team relied on him to dictate play while feeding them with precise passes and he did that with sheer class on several occasions until Ahmed Musa got the winning goal. Mikel featured for 90 minutes and never showed any sign of fatigue.- 9

 ONAZI OGENYI

His technical ability was again brought to test against the highly desperate and aggressive Kenyans. Just coming from his Coppa Italia triumph over Roma, Onazi showed gut in the heart of Super Eagles midfield with his gritty style of play and he combined effectively well with midfield general John Obi Mikel who before the match had a pep talk with his childhood friend on how they intend to switch play. He covered up well for Mikel and never showed any sign that he got some knocks from the Mexico friendly. Even though he picks a card and will have to work on his tackles, he showed that better is not just good enough, his best is yet to come.-7

 SUNDAY MBA

Had a quiet game and had to be substituted by the technical bench. The fire and hunger that saw him emerged as AFCON 2013 revelation seems to have died down. His passes were not accurate enough after showing some flashes in the early stage of the match. His performance in both legs has continue to raised some questions if indeed the Enugu Rangers’ star is ready to move on from the joy of winning his first AFCON. - 5

 AHMED MUSA

He was the tormentor-in-chief and villain-turned-hero. David Owino will be licking his wound now. Still basking in the euphoria of Russian Cup doubles, Ahmed came into the game hungry and rose to the occasion when Ideye failed to provide the much needed killer punch. He was always running at Brian Mandela and kept Harambee Stars’defenders busy with his pace. He looked like the player who would score for Super Eagles and it was no surprise he eventually put Nigeria ahead in the 81st minute. And like a golden fish without a hiding place, CSKA Moscow will do much to wade off suitors in the summer.- 9

 BROWN IDEYE

It is becoming clearer that Ideye tends to find his scoring boot each time he plays behind a striker. Little wonder he had a decent game at the AFCON and his combination with injured Emenike suited him so well. The Harambee Stars defenders did well to keep him very quiet after he wasted a golden chance in the early minutes of the game.- 5

 NNAMDI ODUAMADI

He had an excellent game even though the power and frame of Brian Mandela kept his frail stature in check. He was also a tormentor-in-chief in the wings and he really showed that his game has matured beyond Seria B. In all, Oduamadi had a great game and was commended by the bench for sticking to game plan which eventually saw Nigeria bolted away as group leader with eight points.- 7

 SUBSTITUTES

 JOHN OGU : He is a very good and clever player and he has justified his inclusion in the Super Eagles. Ogu has got the heart and hunger to succeed while his huge frame kept Wanyama and Jamal in-check. He came on as a substitute and did well to maintain Nigeria’s lead.- 5

 ANTHONY UJAH: He almost got Nigeria ahead with his tricky header following a cross from Ahmed Musa immediately after he was introduced. He showed that he will be a big asset to the national team in time to come. He also came in as sub for Brown Ideye and must be commended for pegging Harambee Stars’ defenders from joining the attack.-5

 FEGOR OGUDE: His impact was really not felt after coming on at the tail end of the match. Nevertheless he must be commended for his yeoman job in the heart of midfield where he covered up well for duo of Mikel Obi and Onazi Ogenyi who looked tired-5 ---------------------- Complete Sports