The Dream Team VI lost 0-2 to the German side in a frenetic
game in Brazil and the dream of a Gold medal have to wait
for another four years before it can be actualized as the Germans dominated the
game against a Nigerian side lacking inspiration to win the game.
The Dream
Team could not deal with the pace of Arsenal’s Serge Gnabry and a host of
others as the match finished 2-0 in favour of the European giants. For the
Dream Team VI they have to wait on Saturday against Honduras to stand a chance
of picking a medal (Bronze) from the Olympic Games.
From the Dream Teams defeat
we offer an insight on the performance level of the players. We evaluate the
performance level of every Dream Team VI player who featured against Germany.
GOALKEEPER
EMMANUEL DANIEL (6.5)
He had a good game in between the sticks as he made some
crucial saves to keep Nigeria in the game particularly from Gnabry’s effort
from outside the box. Could do nothing as he was really exposed by the Nigerian
defence for both goals.
DEFENDERS
SHEHU ABDULLAHI (5.5)
The player had a torrid time with Serge Gnabry in the match
but was good going forward. Lost possession in some areas in the game.
SINCERE SETH (5.0)
The young lad gave his best but it was not enough as he was nowhere
to mark the scorer of the first goal for the Germans.
WILLIAM TROOST-EKONG
(6.5)
The center half was one of the best performer in a losing
Nigerian side. Was very good and tidy in the Nigerian defence making some
crucial tackles and interceptions to keep the game alive for Nigeria.
STANLEY AMUZIE (6.0)
Showed flair and quality on the ball going forward but the
left back was guilty of some misplaced passes. Summed up his game on the night with
a way-ward free-kick which sailed into the crowd.
MIDFIELDERS
NDIFREKE UDO (4.5)
Seems not to have really impressed in the tournament so far
and was one of the weak link in midfield as Nigerian failed to build from the back.
Lost possession a couple of time.
USMAN MOHAMMED (5.0)
The talented playmaker was a shadow of himself as he failed
to assert himself in the game as Germany dominated the areas. He was missing
for most part of the game.
JOHN OBI MIKEL (6.5)
John Obi Mikel was impressive in the match as he cuts inside
two defenders to fire at goal which was blocked by the stern German defence.
Was hacked down by the Germans on a couple of occasion as he looked dangerous
and silky going forward.
ATTACKERS
IMOH EZEKIEL (5.5)
Showed some promising signs early in the game but lacked the
conviction and composure to cause a real damage to the Germans defence .Made
some good run but was guilty of losing the ball at the by line.
SADIQ UMAR (4.0)
The AS Roma forward was totally poor on the night as he was
very slow and unconvincing in Possession. He was hurled off for vibrant Junior
Ajayi after a very poor outing against the German side.
AMINU UMAR (4.5)
The forward was poor in his decision making and was guilty
of misplacing some vital passes in a very uninspiring performance. Lost possession
a couple of times and was unconvincing going forward.
SUBSTITIUTES
JUNIOR AJAYI (5.5)
Lost the ball at times in attack but gave the Germans a
tough time in the air and looked very vibrant in the game as he turned away
from Mathias Ginter to earn a free-kick in a good position for Nigeria.
POOPOLA SALIU (4.0)
The diminutive player showed some good touches on the ball
but lack the speed and agility to overpower the Germans as defeat was looming
for the Dream Team VI in the encounter.
