Nigeria’s win over Sudan: How Eagles performed

Nigeria boosted its chances of qualifying for the 2015 African Nations Cup, Saturday, with a 3-1 win over Sudan.

The gutsy encounter, played under Abuja rains, featured some brilliant football from a team that performed dismally in its recent games.

PREMIUM TIMES rates the players as follows:

Vincent Enyeama (7): Despite not being able to keep a clean sheet, the shot stopper did enough to see the Super Eagles score their first win in AFCON qualifying series.

Juwon Oshaniwa (7): The Israel-based left back justified Coach Keshi’s decision to pick him over first choice, Eldesrson Echiejile.

Kenneth Omeruo (6): Omeruo had a good game but as in Khartoum, the Middlesbrough of England’s central defender was guilty of ball watching leading to Sudan’s equaliser.

Godfery Oboabona (5): The Turkey-based defender is yet to get to his very best and was also guilty for the Sudan goal.

Ogenyi Onazi (7): Onazi was less adventurous upfront perhaps on the orders of the Coach and was not unnecessarily aggressive thus making a better game than in the past outings.

Mikel Obi (6): The Chelsea star worked very hard for the team.

Raheem Lawal: (7): One of the fresh starters in today’s Eagles line up, Lawal was massive for Nigeria in the midfield and a largely good game.

Hope Akpan (6): The reading Midfielder will sure improve the days ahead. He gave his best but has not blended well with his peers

Emmanuel Emenike (7): Another barren outing for the power-pack striker. Though helping with brilliant passes, Emenike was guilty for being selfish on one or two occasions. Until he gets the needed service his goals drought might just continue.

Aaron Samuel (7): The China-based striker shut his critics with a taken goal. Aside the goal, Samuel showed flashes of brilliance and can be back in the team on the strength of today’s performance.

Ahmed Musa (8): Undisputedly the man of the match having scored two goals.

Subs
Gbolahan Salami (4): very little impact in his short stay

Sone Aluko (6): The Hull striker was a good addition which helped bring spark to the Eagles attack.

Osaguona Ighodaro (4): Very little impact having come on late.