Player Rating : Nigeria vs Tahiti

On a night the Tahitians should have gone back to their hotels with a basket full of at least a dozen goals, the Super Eagles of Nigeria displayed an embarrassing clinical ineffectiveness by managing to put only half a dozen past the Tahitian goalie.

How they played:

Enyeama: He wasn’t really tested but composed himself well the few times he was tested. He could have done better in the goal he conceded though. 6/10

Ambrose: The Celtic man, obviously aware he was playing against people who should have no business playing football, got all the confidence to move around and overlap. He pushed forward and made some dribbling and passing runs to initiate attack. He was however found wanting in his primary defence role a couple of times as the Tahitian defender tried to penetrate through the wings. He was also a culprit in the Tahitian goal. 5/10.

Oboabona: The Tahitians attack moves came from the flanks most times, so the central defenders weren’t tested much. The Sunshine star was quiet for the better part of the game, but showed his presence by dispossessing ball of the legs of the opponents a couple of times. 5.5/10

Omeruo: Solid and business-minded as usual. What could have been the Tahitians best chance was stopped by him as he had not option than to foul the guy before entering 18 yard box. He did so professionally and got a yellow card. He was later substituted, apparently to avoid another card. 6.5/10

Echiejile: Keeps telling us we don’t need Taiye Taiwo again, as he does, even better, what Taye Taiwo knows how to do best: overlap and attack. Although equally not so good like TT in defending. TT’s only edge is free kick. The Braga man, like he did versus Mali in AFCON, opened the floodgate of goals. He added another one in the second half. 7/10

Ogude: He seemed not to have learnt from what consigned him to bench in AFCON, as he continued his raw tackles. His tackles usually lack professional touch. He needs to do better. 5/10

Mba: Not so visible in the midfield and missed a sitter when he was freed one on one with the Tahitian keeper. 4/10

Mikel: Tahitians having no business playing football, it was an opportunity for Mikel to shine and mesmerize confidently. He tried to do, but gave away possession too often. He also characteristically slowed down game where he should have initiated counter attacks quickly. For his standard, not a good game, even if he Eagles’ best midfielder of the night. 5.5/10

Musa: He keeps reminding one of Pius Ikedia, with his trademark all run, no substance. His final ball is poor as are his crosses. He still tormented the Tahitians with speed though, as he also provided an assist. He missed a sitter too. 6/10

Oduamadi: Nigeria’s stand-out player of the night. The AC Milan loanee showed class. His first goal was world class. He could have scored up to five, as one of his goals was ruled offside. He was also the architect of the Tahiti’s no 2’s own goal. Good hattrick. He needs to work on his speed though. 9/10

Ujah: Poor display. Quiet throughout. Missed a sitter too. Bad game. Yanked off in second half. 3/10

SUBS

Ideye: The sitter missing fest continued with him. Like Musa, Ujah, and Mba before him, he tried dribbling the keeper on one on one, when he could have sent the ball to angle before keeper got near. He was still able to provide an assist for Oduamadi’s 3rd of the night. He also showed more poise than Ujah. 5/10

Ogu: Did well to assist Mikel in midfield. Performed better than Mba he replaced. His passes are also better. 6/10

Azubuike: Replaced yellow-carded Omeruo. Not much was seen of him. 5/10

COACH: Started our best legs available, benched a misfiring Ideye for Ujah, who disappointed them. Did well to remove Omeruo after yellow card. His attackers let him down though. But 6 goals is a good performance by any standard. 6/10

Over all, a draw against Uruguay should see them through as I don’t see Tahiti losing by 5 goals margin to Uruguay.