After so much anxiety, the Super Eagles defeated a hard fighting Zambia courtesy of a solitary strike by substitute, Alex Iwobi. Interestingly both Iwobi’s goals in the Russia 2018 qualifiers had come against the same team and in the same month. The Arsenal star was on song in the 2-1 away win on 9th October 2016 and 7th October 2017.
With the result, Nigeria joins Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Belgium, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Germany, England and Spain, on the list of teams to have booked their tickets to Russia 2018 World Cup.
Nigeria, who emerged from Group B, also became the first African nation to qualify for the finals despite having a game to spare. The last time the team achieved such feat was in 1997 in preparation for France 98 but how did the players lined up by Gernot Rohr perform against the team from South Africa? ADEBAYO OLODAN runs the rule over the display of the Super Eagles on a memorable evening at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Goalkeeper
Ikechukwu Ezenwa: Was largely untested except for a few nervy moments in the first period. He saved a dipping shot from Alex Ngonga in the 36th minute and also turned Mwepu’s cracker onto the bar. He however guilty for failing to rush out on time to gather the ball after Leon Balogun had shielded a Zambian attacker.
Ezenwa also showed some jitters coming for crosses and going to Russia 2018, Coach Gernot Rohr must be thinking of a more experienced pair of hands. 6/10
Defence
William Troost-Ekong: The rear-guard left a lot to be desired but he more than made up for his low composure initially with sturdiness in challenges as the game wore on. His footwork was not that perfect but otherwise, a good defensive outing. 6/10
Leon Balogun: Was exploited by the Zambians especially in the first half but grew into the game rapidly afterwards. Balogun and his partner in the heart of defence were put through the mill with the Zambians picking their forward out with long searching balls from defence.
He won most of his duels admirably and continuously put his body on the line. The Mainz star also made a few uneventful ventures forward. 6.5/10
Abdullahi Shehu: Was a rock in defence and terror in attack. Ensured he was never over-run even though he picked up a yellow card in the second half for a lunge and was lucky to avoid a red. Abdullahi who plays in less fancied Cypriot league capped his performance by setting up Alex Iwobi for the solitary goal of the match.
His passing was delightful and he knew when to join the attack. Abdullahi was deservedly voted the MVP of the match. 8/10
Elderson Echiejile: Did not offer much defensively and offensively he was poor. It was not surprising to see him go off with 11 minutes left on the clock as he was said to have struggled for fitness after picking up injury in training. The left-back position is one area the coach will need a quick fix before the team flies to Russia. 4/10
Midfield
Ogenyi Onazi: Cut it top with a few forays in the early periods and nearly played in Odion Ighalo. He however got most of his passes wrong after dispossessing the Zambians in the middle of the pack. Picked up a knock in the first half and came off for Mikel Agu almost half hour mark into the match. 5/10
Wilfred Ndidi: He held his own in battling the witty Zambians in midfield. The Leicester defensive midfielder kept play going with his short passes and even went close with a point-blank header which was turned away by the Zambian keeper. One of his most quiet outings in the green and white colours though. 6/10
John Obi Mikel: He made his experience count for good as his ball retention under pressure was particularly immense. The former Chelsea star did a big job trying to link up with his attacking players. He however had a few wayward efforts wide of the mark. 7/10
Attack
Moses Simon: His continuous prying of the Zambian backline kept the opponents on their toes for the better part of the first half, testing Mweene on two occasions.
Tired very early in the second period and was hauled off for Iwobi. 6/10
Victor Moses: Ran the opponents ragged and looked the most likely to break the deadlock for the Super Eagles. He missed a late goal but tracked back to help out defensively. His linkup play and final efforts were not wholly encouraging. A fine display nonetheless. 7/10
Odion Ighalo: Was largely quiet as the Chipolopolo hugely did a great job marking him out or tracking him down. He arrived late to connect a cross from Onazi. Ighalo did some foot works and almost had his pass turned in with a scissors kick by Simon. 6/10
Subs
Mikel Agu: Struggled in his first few minutes after being introduced for the injured Onazi. He even went into the referee’s books for a needless elbow challenge but steadied in the second half by intercepting passes. 4/10
Alex Iwobi: His introduction sparked life into the game going forward for the Eagles. He formed a telepathic understanding with Abdullahi on the right side of attack. The Arsenal midfielder darted into the opposition areas before nudging Nigeria ahead with a beautiful effort in the 73rd minute. 7/10
Ola Aina: Made his debut by replacing the injured Echiejile in defence and almost registered an assist in the closing minutes. 5/10
Coach Gernot Rohr
His sending on of Mikel Agu for Onazi seemed a wrong decision as the youngster struggled to cope with the speed of the game. It would have been ideal if Rohr had sent in Iwobi, John Ogu or Eghenekaro Etebo for the injured midfielder.
The tactician later atoned for his mistake by sending in the Arsenal man in the second half in place of Simon. That decision led to the goal that finally confirmed the Super Eagles as the 13th team to book their place in Russia. 6/10
