The Nigeria U17 team are through to the knockout round of the FIFA U-17 World Cup after a 3-2 win over Ecuador thanks to a hattrick from Ibrahim Sa’id.
Nigeria just like it was in their 4-2 win over Hungary had to once again recover from going behind to claim another win with late goals. They have now scored seven goals in two games but also conceded four goals.
Mohammed Yusuf Suleiman rates the players on display for Nigeria in the win over Ecuador.
Daniel Jinadu – Unlucky to have conceded an own goal after the ball bounced off his back from a shot that rebounded off the woodwork. Has a steady game and looked very commanding in dealing with crosses…… 7 / 10
Oluwatimilehin Adeniyi – Didn’t have the best of game. No where near the level he played in the opening game against Hungary. Joined the attack at will and that came at a cost as he was out of position when Charles Etim covering from his flank gave away a penalty which Ecuador converted for their second goal….. 6 / 10
Charles Etim – His desire to help the team can’t be faulted but he appears lost as a right footed player playing as a left full back as opposed to his role as a central defender. Gave away a penalty when he acted as cover for Adeniyi. Got up the pitch nicely but lacks the ability to pick out his man with crosses….. 5/10
Ferdinand Ikenna – Still need to work on his movement particularly when it comes to closing down strikers at the edge of the box. Solid in aerial duels and in tackles but went missing when he was needed to shield his goalkeeper….. 6 / 10
Usman Ibrahim – Brave in tackles and not scared of putting his body where it hurts. Very calm and confident in possession. Just like Ikenna his movement is suspect as he was twice dragged out of position which provided shooting chance to Ecuador…… 6 /10
Samson Tijani – The captain tried to motivate his team from his midfield role. Still didn’t join the attack even when Nigeria had Ecuador on the ropes. Struggled to impose himself like he did against Hungary in the first game….. 6/10
Hamzat Ojediran – He won the most balls for Nigeria with strong tackles and well timed interceptions. Still need to work on the range of his passes. By far the most influential Nigerian player in the midfield…… 7.5/10
Monsuru Opeyemi – Hard to fault his determination to do well. Guilty of holding onto the ball for too long and also trying to force passes through to the strikers. Impressed with his dribbling ability although it didn’t result in any chance for his team…… 5/10
Ibrahim Sa’id – Man of the Match (MOTM) . Scored a brilliantly taken hattrick. Showed quick instinct for the first goal, nice technique to curl home the second and a brilliant shot in the box for his third. Literally decided the game in Nigeria’s favour. He also helped out in defence…… 8.5 / 10
Olakunle Olusegun – Ran the lines beautifully and caused Ecuador all sort of troubles but his finishing let him down. Hanged on to the ball for too long and most times decided to shoot when a pass to a better placed teammate would have been better. A poor game by his standard….. 6 / 10
Wisdom Ubani – Substituted after just 30 minutes. For the time he was on the pitch he looked uninterested, slow, unfit and a pale shadow of his original self. Yet to regain full fitness after battling with injury for three months and also suffered a kick in the last game against Hungary…… 3/10
Substitutes:
Akinkunmi Amoo – His introduction brought urgency to the attack of Nigeria. He gave away possession cheaply but it’s clear to see that he sparks this team to life. Should have capped his near perfect second half display with a goal but his efforts went wide…… 7/10
Ibraheem Jabaar – Ran the flanks brilliantly and got involved severally. Twice made runs behind the defence of Ecuador, a sign of how well he gets into goal scoring positions. He should start the next game….. 6/10
