The Nigeria U17 team sealed a spot in the semifinals of the Africa U17 Cup of Nations and also qualified for the World Youth Championship with a 1-0 win over Angola.
Owngoalnigeria.com rates the players on show for Nigeria in the game.
Sunday Stephen – Came in for Shuaib Abdulrazaq and looked very much an improvement on the man he replaced. Although he didn’t face any real test bar a late shot from Zito close to the end of the game….. 7/10
Shedrack Tanko – Solid going forward but as seen in the first game a little bit suspect when it comes to making tackles. Didn’t allow the Angolans any freedom down his flank….. 7/10
Ogaga Oduko – Very comfortable and skillful on the ball but just like Tanko didn’t do enough in terms of defending until late into the game and should have done better when he had space upfront….. 7.5 / 10
Ikenna Chigozie – A much better improvement from the central defender. Showed better understanding with Ishaya than in the previous game and his tackles and interceptions were well timed….7.5 / 10
David Ishaya – Calm and very adept at playing from the back. Solid in aerial duels and didn’t show any of the nerves noticed in the first game against Tanzania….7.5 / 10
Samson Tijani : The captain had another solid showing but nothing spectacular by his standard although did enough to win the Man of the match award. Yet to hit same height that won him the Most Valuable Player ( MVP) at the regional tournament…..8/10
Abayomi Mayowa : Did a good job in shielding the defence and showed nice touches under pressure. Works really hard for the team….7.5 / 10
Olatomi Olaniyan – Carved open chances for his teammates with ease and did put in a solid shift. Didn’t get into goal scoring position like in previous games…..6/10
Olakunle Olusegun – Wasted several chances to put the game to bed for Nigeria although his well taken penalty proved to be the winner for Nigeria. Could easily have scored four goals today if not for his wastefulness…. 7/10
Akinkunmi Amoo – Ran the show like he did in the first game. Only thing missing was the final touch in the box. Took out his men with ease and love to run at defenders. Surely the livewire of the team….. 7.5 / 10
Wisdom Ubani – Showed quick feet, strength and pace in the box but his decision making let him down severally. Also guilty of wasting chances but did show his abilities from set piece with three well struck freekicks which almost resulted to a goal for Nigeria….. 7.5 / 10
Substitutes :
Jabaar Ibraheem : Fail to produce same moment of magic like he did from the bench in the first game but he was very lively and decisive on the ball. Should start the next game against Uganda….. 6/10
Divine Nwachukwu – Had two good chances to put himself on the score sheet but didn’t make them count. Tend to shoot when he ought to pass and pass when he is expected to shoot….. 5/10
Peter Agba – Didn’t get involved enough to earn a rating.
