The Super Eagles of Nigeria got their 2018 World Cup campaign back on track with an impressive 2-0 win against Iceland. The Nigerian side started slowly and where unable to properly deal with Iceland physical approach.
However, the West Africans came alive in the second half and immediately put their opponent on the back foot, an early second half goal by Musa calmed the Eagles nerves and a second some minutes later effectively won the game for Nigeria.
Below is how the team performed:
Uzoho 7.5: He has been busy all day but seem composed and dealt with Iceland aerial threat well.
Idowu 5.5 (45 min): Been largely quiet, did not provide the needed drive down the left wing
Ekong 7.5: played in the middle of the back three, dealt with the physical presence of the Iceland players well.
Balogun 8.5: Been busy down the right side of the back three, doing his best in a system he is not accustomed to but gave a massive performance in the second half.
Omeruo 7.5: Busy day in the office for the Chelsea defender but he seem to struggle sometimes during the game.
Ndidi 8.5: Dependable cover for the defense but his passes where not accurate sometimes, he hits the crossbar with a fine shot in the second half.
Etebo 7.5 (90 min): Got the Super Eagles first shot on target but his energy and drive seems to have been contained, but he grew into the game in the second half.
Mikel 8.0: Seem to be more at home playing in his more natural deep midfield position but appears to struggle sometimes but he still provided leadership when needed.
Musa 9.0: Started in attack and was very lively in the game particularly in the second half where he got the an early goal and sealed the win with a fantastic individual effort in the second half.
Moses 8.0: played in his Chelsea role as a wing back and he flourished, provide the assist for Nigeria’s first goal.
Iheanacho 6.5 (84 min): Replaced Ighalo as Nigeria’s top striker but was largely missing during the game.
Substitutes:
Ebuehi 7.5: Came in for Idowu in the second half and made an impact instantly. Conceded a penalty but overall he was solid.
Ighalo 7.5: Replaced Iheanacho in the late in the second half, showed good physical presence held the ball well in the opponent half.
Iwobi 6.0: Did not play much to register significant impact but he showed his quality.