TheCable

Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, did not exactly get off to a flying start in charge of the senior national team after the 0-0 draw against Tanzania on Saturday.

But how did his players fare in Dar es Salaam?

Carl Ikeme – 8.5

Ikeme made a success out of his debut for the Super Eagles. The Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper made several crucial saves and covered himself in glory in the absence of first-choice Vincent Enyeama. Man-of-the-match without a doubt.

Solomon Kwambe – 3

The full-back struggled to cope with the pace of the Tanzanians. A game to forget.

Christian Madu – 3

Gave away the first free kick of the game after bringing down Thomas Mlinwengu which resulted into a corner kick afterwards. Received treatment after a clash of heads with a Tanzanian. He also struggled to handle the pace of the Tanzania winger.

Kenneth Omeruo – 4.5

Was made to work in the early exchanges in the match and his foul on Ngasa in the 21st minute earned the host a free kick which Ikeme tipped over for a corner. A misunderstanding between him and Ikeme in the 56th minute presented the host with another scoring opportunity. A clash of heads with a Tanzanian forward in the 80th minute held up the game temporarily. A game to forget, too.

William Stroot-Ekong – 4

Omeruo central defence partner almost gifted the host a goal in the 59th minute after losing a challenge and the Taifa Stars’ forwards poured into the box. Luckily, their effort was closed down for a corner kick. A big let off for the Eagles and William Stroot-Ekong.

Izunna Uzochukwu – 3

The Russia-based player didn’t make any meaningful and memorable contribution in the game.

Obiora Nwankwo – 3.5

Like Uzochukwu, Nwankwo’s 40th-minute foul was his only action worthy of note.

Haruna Lukman – 3

Before he was yanked off in the 36th minute, Haruna’s 18th minute shot from the edge of the box which was blocked by the body of a Tanzania defender was his notable contribution in the match. He didn’t pull his weight in the midfield and allowed the host a lot of free space.

Ahmed Musa – 6

The captain had a quiet first half, but his influence on the game grew after the break. A run down the left flank in the 51st minute saw him beat his marker, but his cross into the box was comfortably saved by the keeper. He had another chance seven minutes later when he went past two defenders, but his shot went off target. A good, but not great, game from the skipper.

Emmanuel Emenike – 6

The striker’s scoreless streak continued, but nobody can say he didn’t try to end his barren spell. He caused the host some troubles with his movements, passes, and shots. The first booking of the game was handed to Kelvin Yondani after he brought down the striker in the 56th minute.

Moses Simon – 5

Simon and Tanzania defender Shomari Kapombe had their own mini battle in the wings. He almost gave Nigeria the lead in 38th when his shot went off the shin of a defender after Simon happened on a cross from Ahmed Musa which the defender failed to clear.

Emem Eduok – 3

A 70th minute substitute for Moses Simon. And moments later, he got a rare Nigeria chance as he tried to chip the keeper who had rushed out to make a save. The keeper was left at seas outside his box, but his defenders closed up to clear the danger.

Anthony Ujah – 3

Replaced Emenike in the 61st minute and 16 minutes later, he made an impact when his header from a cross from Eduok went wide. He received a knock on the head in the process.

Sylvester Igboun – 3

Came in for Haruna. Earned his side two free kicks in the 40th and 47th minutes after he was fouled. Showed more aggression in midfield unlike the lackadaisical Haruna.