Arsenal attacker, Alex Iwobi could be on his way out of the Super Eagles’ starting line-up, following his lackluster performance in Tuesday’s high-profile international friendly against Egypt, and he subsequently got the lowest rating by any player in the winning side.
The Eagles got a historic win courtesy of Paul Onuachu’s sizzler after only seven seconds, but sports247.ng reports that Iwobi again proved to be as inconsistent as he has been all through this season with his club.
While many analysts and fans rated Iwobi worst off in the Eagles’ largely experimental line-up for the game at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, some added that the Arsenal playmaker could be heading for the same shut-out that has befallen Leicester City attacker, Kelechi Iheanacho, who was not called up for the Eagles’ last couple of games.
With Iwobi scoring as low as 4/10 for his lame efforts in Tuesday’s game, pundits are pointing in the direction of up and coming players, several of who are knocking on the Eagles’ door and seeking close attention from the coach, Gernot Rohr, heading into the Cup of Nations in June/July.
The full ratings for Nigeria’s players involved in Tuesday’s game goes thus – Daniel Akpeyi: He was able to stay focused all through the first half, in spite of not being called to duty by the Egyptians. 5/10
Shehu Abdullahi: He defended well for all 90 minutes, blocked all second half forages by the visitors. but lacked his usual overlapping flare. 5/10
William Troost-Ekong: Played a key role as stand-in captain, organised the defence well and motivated the midfielders to link with attack. 6/10
Leon Aderemi Balogun: Back to his best, with several crucial tackles, especially toward the end of the second half, as he defended well, was good with the ball and launched some attacking options. 7/10
Jamilu Collins: He could have done better with sorties down the flank and linking up with the attackers, but did well defensively. 5/10
Wilfred Onyinyen Ndidi: He was every present when needed, solid in midfield, covering space, closing down opponents and spraying passes. Could do with more shots goal, though. 6/10
John Ugochukwu Ogu: Kudos to him for the pass that gave Paul Onuachu Nigeria’s quickest goal in international football, what he delight he was with his imposing presence and that dazzling turn against Elnenny. 7/10
Alex Iwobi: Slow, tentative and indecisive, Iwobi appeared lost in the middle, uncertain going forward and without enough steam to fall back. Tried some tricks and passes, but nothing seemed to work for him. 4/10
Henry Onyekuru: He showed the flashes that have been known of him at Galatasaray, and added huge defensive support efforts this time out, as a high level of maturity appears to have entered into his game. 6/10
Moses Simon: Always known for his darting runs, skillful dribbles and eye for goal, all of which he showed in this game, but the Levante of Spain winger’s efforts could not yield a desired goal. 6/10
Paul Onuachu; His historic early goal only served to highlight a majestic second national team outing, one laced with huge physical presence, commanding aerial threat, great ball holding skills, and more. 9/10
Ikechukwu Ezenwa: He went on at halftime in place of Akpeyi, and did well to settle down fast, then pulled off an incredible double save close to the end, sending fans into tagging him Nigeria’s best bet in goal. 6/10
Semi Ajayi: The Rotherham United of England lad showed again that he is better suited for playing in defensive midfield, and a good back-up to Ndidi, following his effort after going on for the injured John Ogu. 5/10
Oghenekaro Etebo: Alex Iwobi’s replacement showed everything the Arsenal lad could not do with longer time on the pitch, as Etebo was full of running, added push to attack and never lacked mobility. 5/10
Odion Jude Ighalo: He played only as an impact player, probably to cool off Egypt’s late rallies, and he had little work to do in place of Onuachu, just as was with Ndifreke Effiong and Ikuowem Udoh, who both went on after the Shaghai Shenhua of China striker.
