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| Goal scorer, Chisom Chikatara charging towards the Tunisian defence. |
By: Obiweluozo Martins
The Home Eagles shared the spoils with the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in match day 2 in Group C courtesy of a goal from Chisom Chikatara in the 52 minutes and an equalizer from Ahmed Akaichi of Tunisia in the 70 minutes.
The Super Eagles were unable to book their place in the knock out stages as they were held to a 1-1 by the vibrant and competitive Tunisians. The Eagles could have won the game but a share of the spoil might be a fair result for both sides even though many may contest that.
We captured the performance of the Home Eagles in the pulsating draw. And now, SoccerNet Nigeria evaluates how Home Eagles rated against the North Africans, Tunisia.
GOALKEEPER
IKECHUKWU EZENWA (7.0)
Was decent between the sticks as he made brilliant saves especially from the menacing Akaichi. Had no answer for the equalizer as he was exposed by the defence line. Great ball distribution though.
DEFENDERS
MATTHEW ETIM (6.0)
Was caught out of position as he was nowhere near Akaichi for the equalizer but nice defensive work all together to keep out a late ball off the line.
AUSTIN OBAROAKPO (6.0)
The big defender added physicality to the Eagles backline but was not well positioned as Ahmed Akaichi equalized for Tunisia.
STEPHEN EZE (5.0)
The defender was slow in reaction and was second best to the ball and thus was hauled off at the break for more effective and more defensive (reliable) Kalu Orji.
CHIMA AKAS (6.0)
The left back made some attacking incursions down the left but his major undoing is holding on to the ball for too long especially when his teammate (Chikatara)is running into position.
MIDFIELD
PAUL ONOBI(6.0)
The midfielder was guilty of being slow in possession at times but showed great awareness and composure in midfield and also did a great work in shielding the back four.
IFEANYI MATTHEW (6.5)
Great movement in midfield but not enough pace to run down the Tunisians. Great vision as well from the deep position from the youngster.
USMAN MOHAMMED (6.5)
Showed quality in midfield as attested by the commentator as he made occasional runs to draw fouls from the Tunisians. Nice defensive work on occasions.
ATTACKERS
PRINCE AGGREH (5.0)
The forward was guilty of poor decision making at times as regards to his final ball after some good moments. Must improve to keep his place in subsequent matches.
CHISOM CHIKATARA (7.0)
The poster boy was man marked fiercely by Tunisia center half due to his goal heroics but he found the breakthrough when presented with a scoring chance to give Nigeria the lead scoring his fourth goal of the tournament with only two games played.
OSAS OKORO (8.0)-MAN OF THE MATCH (MOTM)
The winger was full of running on the flank as he delivered the assist for Chikatara’s goal. Also great delivery from set pieces except but once.
SUBSTITUTES
KALU ORJI (7.0)
The defender was superb in defence as he was at the heart of every tackles and interceptions. Could have deflected the equalizer away from goal.
IKECHUKWU IBENEGBU (6.0)
Was not good without the ball but set himself up with a good first touch as he made a dashing run into the Tunisia box and could have scored from their if not for the Tunisia intervention at the back. Great movement after coming on for Usman Mohammed.
EZEKIEL EASSEY (4.0)
Made one or two wrong decisions in the game .Need more game time (especially against Guinea) to show his worth.
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