Nigeria finished top of their group at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil despite losing 1-2 to Australia in their final group game.
Owngoalnigeria.com rate the players on display for Nigeria in the game where coach Manu Garba made four changes to his regular starting lineup since the start of the tournament.
Oluwabusola Joseph – The Bournemouth teen goalkeeper covered himself in glory with three big saves in the game. The save he made just before Nigeria levelled the tie to 1-1 was top class judging by how he adjusted his body quickly to use his legs to make the save. A good debut….. 7 / 10
Oluwatimilehin Adeniyi – Once again no where to be found when Australia scored their first goal with a cross from the flank he is defending. Need to strike a balance on when to join the attack and also defend. His worst game so far…… 4/10
Quadri Edun – Played very well with the ball at his feet but didn’t contribute much in his primary duty of defending. Not an upgrade on regular left back Charles Etim….. 4/10
Charles Ikenna – Seems to be all over the place and his clumsy tackle gave a penalty to Australia which handed them the win. Suspect all through the game and struggled to go close to his man…… 4/10
Usman Ibrahim – Won tackles but not showing enough understanding with Ikenna at the heart of the defence. Ventured forward and in the process left gaps behind which helped Australia scored their first goal. Guilty of watching the ball and not the man in the box……4/10
Samson Tijani – Distributed the ball nicely but didn’t dominate the midfield like he did in the first game against Hungary. Also he failed to screen the defence properly and that allowed Australia to exploit them on the break…….5/10
Hamzat Ojediran – He was his hardworking self as usual but did nothing significant with the ball at his feet. Really need to work on his passing range especially in the opponent’s half……5/10
Kunle Olusegun – Seems to be under pressure to score. Most times he shoot when he ought to pass to a better placed teammate. Wasted several promising move with his selfish play…… 3/10
Akinkunmi Amoo – Demonstrated his eye for a pass with three go through balls and went past his markers with ease. He however need to work on getting into goal scoring positions for the good of the team in subsequent games…… 5/10
Peter Olawale – Ran the channels brilliantly and took his goal on the turn sweetly. Carries a threat when in the box and on the strength of his display he might keep his spot in the knockout round…… 7/10
Abubakar Sa’id – Displayed his shooting accuracy with a well struck drive in the first half but wasted a very good chance to put Nigeria ahead before the end of the half. Carries a goal threat when he is on the ball…… 6/10
Substitutes:
Ibraheem Jabaar – Yet to reach the height he struck at the Africa Cup of Nations for same team. Loves to run at defenders and also hit shots he has so far disappointed in front of goal. Still has the potential to do well…… 4/10
