Cape Verde 1-2 Nigeria: How the Super Eagles rated in battle of Mindelo
MADUKA OKOYE: Didn’t have much to do for the majority of the game but was partly responsible for the opening goal. He was wrong-footed as the ball went in through his near post. He however made amends late in the second half when he rescued a heart-stopping moment of danger. 5/10
SHEHU ABDULLAHI: Was nowhere to be found when the ball that led to Cape Verde’s goal went through his area of control. Later made up for the lapse with some intelligent interceptions. 6/10
KENNETH OMERUO: Paired with Awaziem in central defence and after a shaky start gradually got back into the game. Sat back when his defence partner forayed upfield and made some vital clearance before they became dangerous. He was however rash in some tackles and justifiably went into the referee’s book. 6/10
CHIDOZIE AWAZIEM: The more adventurous of the pair, Awaziem was more than a handful for the Cape Verdeans each time he went up for a corner kick in the opposition goal. Played very intelligently and was a big part of why the Cape Verdean dangerman Tavares was kept quiet. 7/10
JAMILU COLLINS: Surprisingly was the catalyst of the Eagles’ attacking moves in the first half and deservedly got an assist when his inch-perfect cross was diverted at goal before Osimhen bundled it over the line. His marauding runs down the flank was more than a handful. One of his best games yet in a Super Eagles shirt. 7/10
KINGLSEY MICHAEL: Arguably a contender for man-of-the-match performance from the debutant. He was one half of the shield which covered the central defence and also had an eye for starting attacking moves after recovering the ball. 8/10
INNOCENT BONKE: The other debutant who played like a veteran. After a shaky start, the Sweden-based midfielder justified why he should be a first team member with an eye-catching performance. He slotted into the Wilfred Ndidi position, tackled intelligently and won balls fairly. This guy is one to watch. 8/10
MOSES SIMON: A quiet game by his own standard. Much as he tried to stamp his authority on the game, it just was not his day with even some of his cornerkicks going wayward or failing to clear the first post. Has done better thank this for Nigeria 5/10
AHMED MUSA: The captain got to 100 caps, just the third player ever to reach that milestone for Nigeria. Played in an unusual no.10 position while Moses Simon was shunted to his much preferred outside right wing. Could have been the reason he was relatively quiet until he was pulled off in the 71st minute for Terem Moffi.
CHIDERA EJUKE: The question to ask is why this CSKA Moscow star is not much more regular for Gernot Rohr? He was lively all through his time on the pitch and gave the Cape Verdean right back more than enough to chew. He stung the goalkeeper’s palms twice in the first half and showed exquisite skills each time he had the ball. 8/10
VICTOR OSIMHEN: Scored the equaliser for Nigeria but will be remembered more for his tireless running at the opposing defence while trying to bring his teammates into the game. He was a lone figure upfield for most of the game but his presence was scary for the Cape Verdeans. 7/10
HENRY ONYEKURU: Missed a glorious chance to put the Super Eagles ahead with his first touch after coming on for Moses Simon but he shot tamely at the goalkeeper. He was also fell for a free kick while goalbound so he justified the 20 minutes appearance. 5/10
TEREM MOFFI: Came on for Ahmed Musa in the 71st minute and chased down loose balls while keeping the opposing defenders busy. 4/10
PAUL ONUACHU: Was an 82nd minute substitute for Victor Osimhen. He couldn’t do much to justify a rating.
ZAIDU SANUSI: Brought in to shore up the defence while the team was trying to defend their lead, he was immediately called into action and he acquited himself creditably. Played just the last 8 minutes plus time added. 5/10
