Nigeria vs Egypt: Paul Onuachu tops player ratings

It was a dream first start for Midtylland striker Paul Onuachu who was by far the best player on the field in Super Eagles 1-0 win against Pharaohs at Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba on Tuesday.

The rest of the Eagles gave a good account of themselves in the game to help Nigeria get one over their rivals.

Here is how the players fared according to our ratings.

6 Daniel Akpeyi
Had a nice time watching proceedings from his corner. He could sleep and nothing would have happened.

Kaizer Chiefs goalie wasn’t tested at all.

7 Jamilu Collins

The left back continued from where he left it against Seychelles. Disciplined with his tackles, jumped forward when needed and was good all through the time he spent on the pitch.

7.5 William Troost-Ekong
Captain of the side on the day. Solid and committed as always. Was alert when needed did his job perfectly.

7.5 Leon Balogun
The other Oyinbo wall played great in his first game since he got injured in February. Stopped the Egyptians dangerous plays, he was positional disciplined and showed great character.
He denied the Egyptians a chance towards the end of the game.

6.5 Shehu Abdullahi
You can’t fault him defensively. He made a perfect sliding tackle on a play that could have resulted in a goal.
He was good but need to do something about his crosses.

6.5 Wilfred Ndidi
Not the best we’ve seen from him but not a poor display but was short his standard. Was decent in the game against Egypt.

6 John Ogu
Almost got himself into foul troubles. Was decent against Egypt.

7.5 Alex Iwobi
A super upgrade to his display against Seychelles last Friday. He linked the midfield and attack today.
He moved the ball with great confidence. Should have scored a goal but the goalie denied him.

6.5 Simon Moses
Ran the wings but wasn’t successful with most of his take ons. Needs to improve on his efforts in the final third.

7.5 Henry Onyekuru
Enjoyed himself and thrilled the fans. He put in a show as he continues to lay claim for a spot in the Eagles 11.

9.5 Paul Onuachu
Scored in his first international start. He used his physique to his and teams advantage. Held the ball very well, controlled the ball like a very skillful midfielder. His 6s strike was the only goal of the game.
He definitely impressed with the chance he got before he was removed for Ighalo.

7 Ikechukwu Ezenwa
Came in for Daniel Akpeyi at the start of the second half. Wasn’t as lucky as Daniel Akpeyi who didn’t have much to do when he played in the first half. He was had to make double save in the last minutes of the game to maintain Eagles lead.

5 Oghenekaro Etebo
Came in for Alex Iwobi didn’t really impact the game.

5 Semi Ajayi
Came in for Ogu was decent against Egypt.

Odion Ighalo, Effiong Ndifreke and Ikouwem Udoh didn’t do enough to get ratings.