By: Obiweluozo Martins
The Super Eagles defeated their Swaziland counterpart courtesy of two second half strike from Moses Simon in the 51st minute and an 87th minute goal from Celtic defender Efe Ambrose.
The Swaziland sat deep and defended stoutly especially in the first half but the Eagles broke the deadlock six minutes after intermission as KAA Gent forward Moses Simon curled a brilliant free kick over the wall for the first goal before Efe Ambrose settled the match late in the game.
In the midst of the victory there were contrasting performance for Super Eagles players as John Obi Mikel, Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi was left out of the starting line-up.
SoccerNet Nigeria evaluates the performance of Super Eagles players from the victory over Swaziland.
CARL IKEME (6.0)
Had little to do as Nigeria dominated proceedings in the first period but alert to make a crucial save to deny Swaziland an equalizer in the game. Another clean sheet for the Wolves goalie.
SHEHU ABDULLAHI (5.0)
Was moderate in defence but was not efficient in attack as his crosses and passes failed to find a green shirt.
EFE AMBROSE (6.5)
He was caught out of position at times, but was comfortable on the ball going forward and scored late on to seal the victory.
AUSTIN OBOROAKPO (5.5)
Not the best positioning for the center back but a moderate outing in defence alongside Efe Ambrose.
CHIMA AKAS (5.5)
Made some good movement on the ball but was jittery at times at left back as his poor control of the ball let him down on occasion.
PAUL ONOBI (6.0)
Had a decent game in midfield, showed good passing range with some cross field passes but was slow in possession at times.
OGENYI ONAZI (6.5)
Marshalled the midfield in John Obi Mikel’s absence, great vision to pick out Ighalo in the first period. Could have scored after good movement outside the box.
SYLVESTER IGBOUN (5.5)
Missed couple of chances and did not link up the midfield and attack so well but made up with an assist for the second goal.
MOSES SIMON (7.0)
Showed skill and good ball control and capped a good performance with a brilliant free kick –MAN OF THE MATCH.
ODION IGHALO (5.5)
Lacked the desired service he would have wanted but missed two chances in the game. A moderate game from the Watford man.
AHMED MUSA (5.5)
The Eagles Skipper was guilty of poor decision making and his crosses let him down on occasion. Must improve as the Captain of the team.
SUBSTITUTES
OBAFEMI MARTINS (5.5)
Came on in the second period and combined well to set up Ighalo with a scoring chance. Made some good passes in midfield as well.
EZEKIEL BASSEY (6.5)
The Enyimba forward justified his inclusion with dashing runs in midfield as he committed two Swaziland players for a booking.
ELDERSON ECHIEJILE (4.0)
Came on late for Injured Chima Akas and added width to the Eagles defence Line. Was also not decisive in possession.
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