The first round of matches are over and we have seen many fantastic games, surprising results and upsets and importantly, lots of goals. Our very own Stephen Keshi tutored Super Eagles have not been left out of the fun, playing a dour goalless draw with Iran, narrowly scraping past Bosnia 1-0, before playing an exciting and pulsating 3-2 loss to Argentina. In doing so, they managed a couple of records: Nigeria becomes the first African team to qualify for the 2nd round thrice, the first to do so with a home-grown coach and becoming the highest all-time scoring African side (total of 20 goals). The World Cup is a very intense competition and is no respecter of reputation (Spain and Italy), strength of league (England or Portugal) or FIFA rankings (Columbia, Costa Rica). Determination, preparation, commitment, grit, composure and the balance between youth and experience appear to be critical success factors. In that light, here is my individual assessment of the Super Eagles squad as they have performed so far.
Super Eagles World Cup Preview
1. Vincent Enyeama: So reliable has this guy been over the years that his adoring fans say he can ‘save your marriage’ or ‘save the girls in Sambisa’ or even open an ‘Enyeama savings account’. Easily the best Nigerian player of the tournament so far with his world class saves as the last line of defense. Rating: 9/10.
2. Joseph Yobo: His inclusion in the team initially brought shivers to the spines of many Eagles fans who felt he was past his prime. However, his performance has been rather steady, commanding the back line with authority. It could also be argued that he has not had so much to do and communication with Omeruo could be better at times. Ratings: 6/10.
3. Ejike Uzoenyi: One of the luckiest men to make it to a World Cup ever. Had a very nervy cameo in the game against Bosnia. He looked out of place and I feel he is one for the future. Did not stay long enough for a rating.
4. Efe Ambrose: Played out of his regular position at his club, he is a mixed bag. Quite solid in defence and a hard-worker. Good bringing the ball forward but careless in possession in the opposition half. Overall, decent showing. Rating: 5/10.
5. Ahmed Musa: Very good with his running but very little end product to complement! Well, at least, until Argentina. Two brilliant goals and one blocked shot capped the biggest goal haul in one single game by a Nigerian at the World Cup. Rating: 7/10
Osaze's Goal Against Bosnia
6.
Peter Odemwingie: Thank God for reconciliation.
I am a big supporter of Keshi’s disciplinary approach but I am also happy ‘Osaze’
ate the humble pie and rejoined the team. Very hard to see how this team would
have fared without his runs, twist and turns, dropping of the shoulder and
change of direction. Best outfield player by a mile. Rating: 8/10.
7.
Emmanuel Emenike: The new ‘Bull’. Very
energetic, full of running and raw power but you get a feeling he is desperate
to have his name on the score sheet and that is affecting his performance. A
little bit more patience to go with his hard-work and his efforts would be
rewarded. Rating: 6/10
8.
John Obi Mikel: So much talent and frustration
packed into one man. His presence on the pitch is needed as one of the most
experienced players in the squad. However, he has been very slow in transition, wasteful
in possession and indecisive. Yet he brings some cover to the back four and
must be assuring to the younger ones with his presence. Rating 5.5/10.
9.
Victor Moses: Another one for the future but you
reckon he has a lot to learn about team play and end product. On his day, he
should be any manager’s dream weapon. A bit of over-confidence, youthful
exuberance and maybe stage fright or injury has gotten the better of him. On
his day, he can deliver against the best opposition. Rating 3.5/10
10.
Juwon Oshaniwa: Has done really well in the
absence of Echiejile. Assured and composed with decent runs forward and not bad with his ball handling
either. There are stiffer tests ahead though. Rating: 6/10
11.
Godfrey Oboabona: Has not gotten to show us what
he is about with an unfortunate injury early in the first game against Iran.
Nigerians would be praying he recovers to boost defensive cover/options as the
tournament progresses.
12.
Ramon Azeez: The youngster did not do much wrong
in his only game against Iran neither did he do much right. Still has a lot to
do to improve his game in a Nigerian shirt. Rating: 4/10.
13.
Ogenyi Onazi: A TB Joshua stalwart, reduced
Nigeria’s squad by one with a fierce shot that struck and fractured the hand of
Babatunde. Never shy to shoot from range (usually on target) , he has been a terrier in the middle
of the park, snapping at the heels of the opposition. Often careless in
possession but one of the better performers nonetheless. Rating: 6.5/10
14.
Michael Babatunde: Few knew what justified his
selection but an inspired performance against Bosnia got Nigerians sweating
about his fitness. Now ruled out for the rest of the tournament, he is another
one for the future. 6.5/10
15.
Uche Nwofor: Has not had much time on the pitch but he did not inspire in his brief appearance against Argentina probably due to
nerves. Not enough minutes for a rating.
16.
Okechukwu Uchebo: One I am particularly
interested in. Had some few interesting touches on the ball in friendly games
and seems keen on moving the ball forward with speed. Was not able to
show same in his cameo against Argentina, again possibly due to nerves. Not
enough to get a rating but one to watch.
17.
Kenneth Omeruo: A defensive rock alongside Yobo.
Never one to shy away from a a tackle and his composure belies his age. Great
games, promising future. Rating: 6.5/10.
18.
Shola Ameobi: Many may not understand his
inclusion but I think Keshi has him as a big, burly option upfront to trouble
opposition defenders with his size and experience. Also, his calmness can be an
advantage to the younger players in the squad. Also the only man who can manage
on his own upfront. Yet to do much on the pitch though. Rating: 4.5/10
19.
Stephen Keshi (Big Boss): The Boss has certainly
restored some pride to Nigerian football and put smiles back on the faces of supporters.
Few may accuse him of high handedness, but being the Boss, he has to show he is
the Boss. Should take credit for encouraging competition for places in the
Eagles and encouraging local talent. He has always made a case for home-grown
coaches and has matched the successes of some of the best foreign hands Nigeria
has had. His performances in friendly games may now be better appreciated on
the strength of the performances of the teams he played against at the World
Cup, e.g. USA, Greece and Italy with experimental sides. One can only
imagine how much more he can achieve with better support from the NFF and
higher quality players. Rating: 7.5/10.
