The Nigeria U20 team has provided the major upset of the ongoing U20 World Cup by beating the tournament host Argentina 2-0 in the round of 16, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports....CONTINUE READING
Ibrahim Mohammed Beji and Rilwanu Haliru Sarki got the goals that ensured that the boys of coach Ladan Bosso seal a spot in the quarter final of the tournament at the expense of the host…..CONTINUE READING
OwnGoalNigeria.com editor in chief Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman rates the players on parade for Nigeria in the game.
Chijioke Anigboso – The Ukraine bound goalkeeper exhibits confidence that belies his age. As the last man in the Nigerian set up he stood tall on numerous occasions to ensure that Argentina didn’t get the opener or a way back, when Nigeria got ahead ….. 8/10
Daniel Bameyi – Argentina had no joy trying to play through his zone. Covered the centre backs well and was very careful not to give out a foul or lost possession around the box of Nigeria. A very solid showing….. 7/10
Solomon Agbalaka – Had a torrid time early in the game with Argentina targeting him but he grew into the game in the second half. Had his hands full hence couldn’t join the attack. He stuck to his task and made the team balanced….. 7/10
Abel Ogwuche – Another game where he showed his class and potential. Solid in the air, bullish in tackle and comfortable in possession. Argentina couldn’t get anything past him and his partner Benjamin Fredrick….. 8/10
Benjamin Fredrick – Again he was the difference maker in the defence with ten clearances and won the ball more than any Nigerian player in the game. Aerially he was dominant and the way he reads and intercept play isn’t something you see from an 18 year old. He was simply majestic on his return to the team….. 9/10
Daniel Daga – A potential candidate for the award of player of the tournament. Shielded the defence really well and picked out passes from tight corners with ease. He is without a doubt the heartbeat of this team…..9.5/10
Tochukwu Nnadi- Always wants to play forward even when he is under pressure. By a country mile the best player on the pitch for Nigeria in the first half. Put in a very good shift defensively in the second half….. 8.5/10
Samson Lawal – Acted as the link between defence and attack and he didn’t disappoint. Covered a lot of grounds and was very key to nullifying the live wire of Argentina Federico Redondo. Didn’t stop running for the entire duration of the game….. 7.5/10
Jude Sunday – A below par performance from the quick forward who usually drives the team. Did a job defensively but offensively looked very unsure with and without the ball. Got hooked after the break….. 6/10
Mohammed Ibrahim – Took the opener really well and was very involved in helping the team defend to protect their lead. His best performance of the tournament so far….. 7/10
Salem Fago Lawal – Ran his socks off for the team but was indecisive in several key moments. Hold up play is a beauty to see, he however didn’t carry a threat which affected the team until he was subbed off….. 6/10
Substitutes:
Emmanuel Umeh – His introduction turned the game in favor of Nigeria. Created the first goal and took the game to Argentina which unsettled their defence. He really changed the tide of the game….. 7.5/10
Rilwanu Haliru Sarki – Eager to get on the ball and use his pace, tricks and skills to good effect. Helped out in defence as well and his header off a ball from fellow substitute Eletu sealed the win for Nigeria….. 7.5/10
Victor Eletu – Bagged the assist for the second goal using his strength and eyes for a pass. A very disciplined performance as he sacrificed a lot of his individual abilities to help the team see out the win….. 7/10…..CONTINUE READING
