Following their third place finish at the African
Nations Championship, Goal Nigeria score Stephen Keshi’s men on their
performances in South Africa
ANALYSISBy Shina Oludare
| GOALKEEPERS |
1. Chigozie Agbim – Without any speck of controversy, Agbim was the weakest link in the Super Eagles team. His show during the competition raised eyebrows over his eligibility to be Nigeria’s no 1 – not only that, but as third choice to Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide in the main Super Eagles’ team.
Aside from conceding six goals in eight games which is an unimpressive record for a goalkeeper of his experience (having featured at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and Fifa Confederations Cup), one of his many sins was his poor sense of judgment and inability to organise his defence not to mention his wrong positioning in goal which almost sent his team packing against Morocco. C –
16. Daniel Akpeyi & 21. Dele Alampasu – Even as Agbim never ceased to let his team down with his ‘comedy of errors’ in goal during the tournament, neither Akpeyi nor Alampasu got a look-in from the technical crew. n/a
| DEFENDERS |
2. Solomon Kwambe- Made a considerable impact, despite being sent off, callously, against hosts South Africa. He supported the attacking line-up with his overlapping runs and threatened opposing defenders. Also, his recovery rate was scrawny as he failed to return to his primary position on time while on attacking manoeuvres. All the same, he had a great outing. B-
3. Benjamin Francis – A really disappointing tournament for the left-back, who I had earmarked as a potential contender for Elderson Echiejile’s shirt as we inch nearer to Brazil 2014. Well, I feel he left his ingenious boots back home. Even at his injury, he rarely supports the attack and failed to connect well with the midfield. He still has a long way to go. C
5. Kunle Odunlami- Made the team of the tournament after an estimable showing in the tournament against Mali. His covering-up of Egwuekwe’s defects was the key in preventing Agbim from ending tourney with basket filled with goals. Very composed both on the ground, to foil attacking forays of opposing attackers, and with his aerial deftness.
With him, the Super Eagles have got a Fabio Cannavaro in the making. A+
6. Azubuike Egwuekwe- One of Super
Eagles' biggest flop during the CHAN. He did not live up to
pre-tournament ratings as he fumbled and looked nervous in defence –
little wonder he gifted Morocco three freekicks outside the goal area
after handling the ball while not under pressure. His greatest undoing
was his slow pace and an inability to exploit his ‘Gulliver-like’ height
for his side during cornerkicks. C
14. Ikechukwu Gabriel –The Bayelsa
United defender failed to see even a minute of action at the African
Nations Championship but his experience with Keshi’s men can be a
profitable expedition for him. n/a
18. Bright Eseme – Aside for having a hand in two of
Morocco’s goal in the last eight, the all-around squad player gave a
good account of himself in his debut tournament in Nigeria colours.
Esieme still has a lot to do if he wishes to be a world class sweeper. C+23 Erhun Obanor- Put up a brave show in when called on duty to strengthen the Eagles defence. Though he made a trifling impact in the team’s third place finish, the Insurance of Benin backman represent the future (if mentored well). C
| MIDFIELDERS |
4. Ugonna Uzochukwu- Few expected Ugonna to warm the bench, but against all odds, he delivered some brilliant showings and led his side’s renaissance against Morocco by getting Nigeria’s first goal in a classy manner. He was constantly eventful running at opponents’ defence. Am sure Nigerians will forgive his penalty miss against Ghana. B
8. Rabiu Ali- Combining effective goal-scoring responsibilities with his duty as a creative midfield stands him out from the rest of the team. He provided the inventive spark in the midfield. And his brace against Mozambique was crucial for the team’s bid to qualify from the group stage. A+
10. Dumte Pyagbara – One of the younger members of the squad, Pyagbara only featured briefly, replacing Abubakar Ibrahim in the quarter final match against Ghana and got a starter’s shirt in the third place game. Likely to have much more of an influence in the future. C-
13. Ikenna Hilary- Made little contributions to team in his only appearance which fetched him a caution. C-
19. Abdullahi Shehu- Always prominent in the Eagles’ midfield and looked dogged despite his diminutive appearance. He marshalled the midfield effectively and had a hand in most of Super Eagles' goals. His movements, work rate and his barrage of shots from the midfield reminds one of Sunday Oliseh.
Aside from this, Shehu is a fantastic distributor. B+
22. Joshua Ogbaje- Featured for just 40 minutes in the entire competition as he was muscled out by the imperious form of Ali and Shehu. Ogbaje may well feel aggrieved not to have made more of a contribution, particularly after an impressive maiden year with the national side. C-
| STRIKERS |
7. Ejike Uzoenyi– A tremendous display from the player who took home the Most Valuable player of the competition award after a return of three goals and three man of the match awards. This was compensation for not playing in the final after scoring Nigeria’s only goal in the penalty-shootout defeat to Ghana. His goals (against South Africa & Morocco) were crucial. He not only scored goals but provided assists for other teammates.
Uzoenyi provided the assist that won Nigeria the bronze medal. A+
9. Gbolahan Salami- Began the tourney on a scoring note against Mali. Though didn’t find the back of the net again, he was menacing against Mozambique and dangerous against South Africa. Blessed with blistering pace and good ball control, many imagine Salami would have wreaked havoc against Ghana had injury not forced him out. B+
11. Barnabas Imenger- Aside from getting Nigeria’s third goal against South Africa, Imenger did little to justify his inclusion in the team on most occasions no thanks to his goal-wasting quality. Against Ghana in the semi final, he blew away three glorious chance in the space of six minutes in extra-time as he developed cold-feet burying the ball in the net. C+
12. Abubakar Ibrahim- Very energetic and strong and a team player. His most impressive contribution might have been his winning goal against Morocco in the quarters. C+
15. Zango Umar- A disappointing return for a player who had been much heralded before the tournament. C-
17. Christian Obiozor - His goal sealed the bronze for Nigeria against Zimbabwe in his only appearance in the competition. Could have done better if given more playing time by Stephen Keshi. C+
20. Ifeanyi Ede – Made a considerable impact in the competition. Scored in the demolition of Mozambique and South Africa during the group matches. He was a delight to watch when on an attacking move. He formed of an enviable partnership with Uzoenyi. B+
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