BY Jonathan Ledger
The Super Eagles went through the motions to register a 3-0 win over Seychelles and her band of mostly part-time footballers.
Captain Ahmed Musa led by example with the opener, while there was a debut goal for defender, Chiedozie Awaziem. Odion Ighalo broke his 10-game goal drought with a penalty won by debutant, Samuel Kalu, who impressed in a game that looked an easy runout for the Eagles after a decent World Cup campaign.
Francis Uzoho: Spectator all game. Did not have a touch until the 28th minute when he claimed a deep cross. The impatience of not being tested got the better of him when he, twice, rushed off his line with danger lurking. Won’t have a more quiet game.
Leon Balogun: A good day in the Seychelles sunshine for the Brighton & Hove Albion player. The defender went through the entire 90 minutes without the need to switch gears.
Kenneth Omeruo: A commanding display from the man who was touted as Joseph Yobo’s successor. He displayed his leadership credentials, snapping at any Seychelles threat before they could advance to the Eagles’ defensive third. He, however, had moments where he lacked concentration and also got booked.
Bryan Idowu: He was always found in attack. However, his output from crosses and decisive passes was not inspiring despite the level of opposition. The Russia-based player needs to improve on his decision making in attack to make him a potent weapon for the Super Eagles against better opposition.
Chiedozie Awazeim: The 21-year-old central defender was shoed-in at right back and looked solid if unspectacular, just like Idowu. He was, however, well placed to score his goal off a rebound from Iheanacho’s free kick. A good learning curve for the FC Porto B-team player.
Ogenyi Onazi: The Turkey-based tireless midfielder had a decent run in the middle of the park, but with the opposition offering little threat in attack, he kept things simple and tidy all afternoon.
Wilfred Ndidi: Just like Onazi, he kept things simple, and was his usual destructive self, snuffing out any possible Seychelles threat before it could take off.
Kelechi Iheanacho: Was saddled with linking midfield with attack, supporting target man Ighalo, and he did carry out his role well, although rather unspectacularly. He had a speculative shot wide from the edge of the area and his smart low free kick which hit the bar led to Awaziem’s goal.
Ahmed Musa(c): The Saudi-based player picked up from where he left off at Russia. Proved an inspirational captain on the day with his positional drift towards the middle which ended in the wonderful volley of an opening goal. He was full of running all through the game. Captain fantastic.
Samuel Kalu: Man of the match. Showed great intent on his international debut. Made a particularly impressive dribbling run from midfield into the Seychelles box which showed his desire to influence the match. He won a penalty kick early in the second half for his positive display. The perfect replacement the Eagles require on the back of Victor Moses’ abrupt retirement from international duty.
Odion Ighalo: The Super Eagles’ target man enjoyed a good outing in Seychelles, carrying out his role to perfection in the buildup to Musa’s goal. He brought the other attack-minded players into play and created space for them to run into by attracting defenders to himself. He scored from the penalty spot to finally end his unlucky streak in front of goal. A good day in the office in which he also hit the bar.
Substitutes
Oghenekaro Etebo: Introduced by coach Rohr at a time the Eagles were being complacent all around the pitch due to a three-goal advantage and he steadied the ship.
Semi Ajayi: He came on for the injured Awaziem and enjoyed a decent international debut. The Rotherham FC defender also created a scoring opportunity for Onyekuru in added time from his only attempted cross.
Henry Onyekuru: Given five minutes to take over from the impressive Samuel Kalu and the Galatasaray striker showed why he’s been a threat in the Turkish league with his direct style of play and intelligent movement. One to watch in the future.
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