Atletico Madrid came from a goal down to beat the Super Eagles B 3-2 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in a friendly game which was watched by Owngoalnigeria.com Michael James.
James rated the players on display for the Nigerian team, with Arsenal teen midfielder Kelechi Nwakali rated as the best player for the Nigerian team.
Olufemi Thomas – Quick off his line on two occasion to thwart incursions made by Atletico Madrid. Showed great composure and also sense of organisation. Could do nothing about the goal he conceded and three big saves in the second half stopped the visitors from putting the game beyond Nigeria….. 7/10
Musa Muhammed : Full of energy and countless running down the flank. The captain of the Eagles B team for the game brought back memories of his days with the U17 and 20 team of Nigeria. Surely a contender for Man of the Match award. 7.5/10
Ebube Duru: The former FC Ebedei left full back showed why he is so highly rated this season for table toppers Lobi Stars. Kept his man in check and also joined the attack when he had to…..7/10
Chinedu Ajanah: Not scared to get stuck in but a bit erratic in tackles. Didn’t look quite assured in possession and wasted a free header in the box of the visitors to open scoring for the Super Eagles…6/10
Olamilekan Adeleye : Showed good strength in one on one duels but fail to keep track of the mobile forwards of Atletico Madrid as they took their time to run behind him unsighted….. 5.5/10
Dayo Ojo : Didn’t look entirely comfortable playing up the pitch in the four man midfield of the B team of the Eagles. Struggled to get involved for the duration he was on….. 5/10
Chidiebere Nwakali : Wonderful performance from the Manchester City man. He replicate the form he showed in training with a performance which shows how much he has grown this season. Should be a part of the Eagles after the World Cup….. 8/10
Kelechi Nwakali : Man of the Match display by the former captain of the Nigeria U17 and 20 team. Scored a spectacular goal which left Jan Oblak stunned. Sprayed passes with ease and and showed why Arsenal beat all comers to sign him two years ago…..8.5/10
Alhassan Ibrahim : Looked out of pace and struggled for the time he was on before he was hooked off in the first half, although more like due to a knock than for his poor showing…..4/10
Emem Eduok : Quick, strong and skillful. He looked every inch the player who took the Turkish League by storm this season. Guilty of giving away the ball for the leveller scored by Atletico Madrid. Did well but was too eager to impress…..5/10
Samad Kadiri : Tall and strong. His hold up play was eye catching especially with his back to goal. Wasted a good chance to score the opening goal and struggled in the second half and failed to judge the flight of the cross that was headed home by Fernando Torres for Atletico’s second goal of the game…..6.5/10
Substitutes :
Destiny Ashadi: Started off poorly but finished the game strongly particularly when Tosin Omoyele was introduced in the second half. Wasted a good chance to put Nigeria 2-1 up upon his introduction…..5/10
Tosin Omoyele : Brave in possession and full of runs. Set up Usman Mohammed for the goal that brought scores to 2-2. He added live into the attack of Nigeria upon his introduction…..6/10
Usman Muhammed : What a way to score against the Europa League champions. His goal brought back memories of Austin Okocha goal for Eintracht Frankfurt years ago. Was lively all through and got the entire watching main players of the Super Eagles on their feet with the manner which he took his goal….. 6.5/10
Michael James
