Beyond the 6-0 spanking of the Falcons of Sao Tome and Principe by the Super Eagles, let’s do a post mortem of the match and rate the players according to their performance with a view to proffer possible suggestions on what can best work for the Eagles ahead both the AFCON and world cup qualifiers.
Let me state categorically that the Osimhen/Awoniyi experiment upfront seems not to have worked. There’s no chemistry between them and they often looked confused such that they made same run severally in the game. Though, with more playing time together which is often not available at the national team they may jell.
Having watched both Ola Aina and Tyronne Ebuehi in the game, Bright Osayi-Samuel in my opinion should be ahead of both players in the right back position. He’s more solid both defensively and attacking wise.
There’s the need to shop for more players both at the left back position and at the center back position. Despite the fact that Bruno Onyemaechi was not well tested or troubled against Sao Tome, he evidently lacks pin-point crosses and the ability to effectively join the attack which is vital for a modern wing back.
The center back pairing of Semi Ajayi/Calvin Bassey doesn’t look solid enough. When they come up against a decent frontline they will capitulate.
However, the decision by Jose Peseiro to play Kelechi Iheanacho and Ademola Lookman on the wings to the duo of Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon must be applauded. This is because the later kills attack with their style of play when the team should be attacking and moving the ball faster in the final third.
But the formation adopted in the game worked because the Eagles were in control and enjoyed greater percent of ball possession throughout the match, but will certainly leave the team vulnerable against a stronger opponent. The team certainly needs to play more as a unit. Cohesion, synergy and team play is still very much lacking.
1. Francis Uzoho: He was on holiday all through the duration of the match as Sao Tome and Principe didn’t have a single shot on target to test him.
Rating: Wasn’t tested and therefore has nothing to rate him on.
2. Olaoluwa Aina: He wasn’t as commanding as he used to be in the past. Majority of his forays upfront were easily and cutoff by the opponent. This must have also informed the decision by the coach to substitute him. 5/10
3. Semi Ajayi: Had a decent game at the heart of the defence with his center half partner Bassey. They didn’t really come up against much threat by the opponent since the Eagles dictated the game from start to finish.
Rating: 6/10
Calvin Bassey: Marshalled the defence well with Ajayi to ensure a clean sheet but there were really no much threat by the opponent.
Rating 6/10
Bruno Onyemaechi: He was pretty commanding defensively but not as good at the attacking end. He also lacks quality deliveries but may be he may still come through and better in the future as this was his debut game for the Eagles.
Rating: 7/10
Wilfred Ndidi: Looked sharp, confident both defensively and offensively. He provided the assist for the goal scored by Lookman.
Rating: 8/10
Frank Onyeka: He provided cover for the back four alongside stand- in captain, Ndidi. However, he wasn’t as commanding and involved in the game as expected.
Rating: 6/10
Kelechi Iheanacho: By far the most exciting player on the day. He owned the right side of the pitch and made it his own. His dribbles, passings were all on point. He also provided creative dimension from the position, giving one through pass after another to the strikers Osimhen and Awoniyi. He assisted Awoniyi with the third goal.
Rating: 9/10
Ademola Lookman: He started slowly but eventually grew in confidence and into the game. He got the second goal after a beautiful drive and also assisted Osimhen with the first goal.
Rating: 7/10
Victor Osimhen: He deserved his hat-trick. Always giving 100% no matter the match. The coach needs to sort out who will be his best strike partner among the lot. But he remains the Eagles no.1 striker.
Rating: 9/10
Taiwo Awoniyi: He is always finding it difficult to replicate his club form with the Eagles. Good player no doubt, good energy and pace but usually short in scoring in the Eagles.
Rating: 7/10
Tyronne Ebuehi: He played his part at the time he came in. He needs more time and tested game to really assess him properly.
Rating: 4/10
Victor Boniface: He showed promise but evidently will need more time for better assessment. He provided the assist for Chukwueze’s goal after coming in for Awoniyi.
Rating: 5/10
Samuel Chukwueze: His pace was always going to cause problems for the visitors and it did. He scored the last goal after coming in for Iheanacho.
Rating: 5/10
Joe Ayodele-Aribo: He got involved almost immediately in the heart of the midfield after replacing Frank Onyeka.
Rating: 5/10
Onyedika Raphael: Not enough time to rate him after he replaced captain Ndidi
