PREMIUM TIMES’ rating of Super Eagles players against Congo: Enyeama leads chart

Having accomplished the mission they set out for in Pointe Noire, the Super Eagles expectedly deserve high rating for their collective effort.

That nonetheless, the individual performances of the players differ, with Enyeama being the stand out pick for some while for others it is China-based Aaron Samuel who is getting praises for his crucial goal.

Ratings: The players are rated based on 10-point ceiling.

Vincent Enyeama: 9 The Super Eagles captain put up another world-class performance as he made sure Nigeria did not concede any goal in Ponite Noire on Saturday. Aside the string of saves made by the Lille Shot stopper, Enyeama is highly appreciated for the penalty kick he saved in today’s game

Efe Ambrose: 6 The Celtic defender returned to the starting line up having been dropped to the bench in the last game against Sudan in Abuja. He gave an above average performance.

Azubieke Egwuekwe: 7 The Warri Wolves’ lanky defender got a starter’s shirt owing to the injury suffered by Kenneth Omeruo in training. Egwueke, who was the home-based lad in the starting line up, did not disappoint giving his all in the game and ending with a bandage on his head.

Godfery Oboabona: 6 The former Sunshine Stars skipper finally looks to be getting in his element after sloppy performances in the earlier games. Oboabona had his hearts in his mouth when he conceded a penalty kick that could have seen Congo equalise but Enyeama was on hand to save the day for Nigeria.

Juwon Oshaniwa: 7 The Israel-based defender got Keshi’s nod ahead of super regular, Elderson Echiejile, although he was yellow carded in the course of the match, Oshaniwa was clam and collected at the back and did have a fine game in the left side of the Eagles’ defence.

Ogenyi Onazi: 6 Another mature performance from the Lazio man sees him getting an above average rating

Hope Akpan: 5 Not very much was seen from the Reading midfielder, most especially after being forced out due to injury.

Mikel Obi : 7 The Chelsea star had a wonderful game having uped the ante for the Congo clash

IK Uche : 8 It was a sweet return for the Villarreal of Spain striker who was able to hold his nerve to put Nigeria in the lead from the penalty spot. Many more is expected from Uche who was guilty of missing some fine chances against Congo

Ahmed Musa: 5 Perhaps it was not his day like it was in Abuja. Not very much came from the CSKA Moscow dashing winger.

Emmanuel Emenike: 6 The struggles of the powerful striker continued with no goal to his name despite seeing over 70 minutes of action, Emenike however gets the credit for finding the penalty kick that helped Nigeria to the lead.

Subs
Aaron Samuel : 8 The crucial goal from the China-based striker meant so much to Nigerians today and the player is proving to be a worthy addition to the national team game after game.

Gbolahan Salami: 5: Very little came from the Warri Wolves man brought in to replace Ahmed Musa.

Sone Aluko: 6 The Hull City man did fairly well in the midfield.