Nigeria humbled African Champions, Cameroon 4-0 in the first-leg of their 2018 FIFA World Cup double header.
Two goals scored in each half did not only hand the Eagles three points, but it also extends the team’s winning streak after three matches.
After the impressive display by the Nigerian players, we rate the performance of each player, who graced the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium turf.
Ikechukwu Ezenwa | Credit: Getty Images
Ikechukwu Ezenwa 8
Confident and smart display on his official debut. He pulled off at least two big saves after he was the busier of the two goalkeepers early in this contest.
Elderson Echiejile 7
Solid performance and as a result we did not see much of the Cameroon danger man Bassogog. Certainly a much improved display from the game against South Africa in June.
Shehu Abdullahi 7
Composed at the problematic right full back as usual and he also initiated some attacks to underline his new-found confidence.
Leon Balogun | Credit: Getty Images
Leon Balogun 8
‘The German Machine’ as he has been nicknamed by Rohr lived up to the billing and did not put a foot wrong in all 90 minutes, not to forget his super tackle in the first half, it was world-class!
William Troost-Ekong 7
Balogun’s partner in the heart of the back four was steady thanks to the return of the Mainz 05 star defender. A befitting birthday gift for the player who now plies his trade in Turkey.
Wilfred Ndidi | Credit: Getty Images
Wilfred Ndidi 8
A couple of misplaced passes at the start after which he found his mojo and there was not looking back for the Leicester City defensive midfielder, who was preferred to Oghenekaro Etebo.
Ogenyi Onazi 7
He ran out his lungs as usual and provided the assist for Nigeria’s fourth goal.
Victor Moses | Credit: Getty Images
Victor Moses 9
MAN-OF-THE-MATCH. He scored a goal and created another as Nigeria made a massive statement that they wish to play at Russia 2018. When he is on fire, the Eagles will fly high.
Mikel Obi | Credit: Getty Images
Mikel Obi 8
Another five-star display by the captain after more than 10 months away from the national team. His long balls troubled the Cameroon defence and it was one of those moves that Odion Ighalo opened the floodgates on 29 minutes.
Moses Simon 7
He was unselfish for the third goal by Victor Moses and his dashing runs down the flanks kept the opposing defence at bay.
Odion Ighalo 8
Great individual goal to set the tone for a massive Eagles win. He will always give 100% effort, but today he also delivered a very important goal.
Mikel Agu 6
Showed some flashes of a confident performer, who is willing to express himself. He has the energy and built to be part of this team for some time to come.
Kelechi Iheanacho 7
He came off the bench to score a fourth goal and could have scored another one had he taken more responsibility. He will fight for his first-team place in this team.
Ahmed Musa
Not enough time to rate him, but he was committed for the eight minutes he was on the park.
Gernot Rohr | Credit: Getty Images
Coach: Gernot Rohr 9
His strategy didn’t get off on the best footing, but it didn’t take so long for it to also take flight. Two first half goals scored, evident of how Rohr set up his team and their transition from defensive to attacking play.
His substitutions were also quite impactful. Kelechi Iheanacho and Mikel Agu kept the tempo and the changes produced the fourth and final goal.
Super Eagles start list vs Cameroon (4-2-3-1) Ikechukwu Ezenwa – Elderson Echiejile, Shehu Abdullahi, Leon Balogun, William Troost-Ekong – Wilfred Ndidi, Ogenyi Onazi – Victor Moses (Ahmed Musa 82), Mikel Obi (Skipper)(Mikel Agu 68), Moses Simon – Odion Ighalo (Kelechi Iheanacho 61)
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