Player ratings Nigeria 0-1 Cameroon: Onuachu fails to take advantage but Ndidi stands out

The first of the doubleheader friendly matches between Nigeria and Cameroon went down on Friday night, and at the end of 90 minutes, it was the Indomitable Lions that struck the first blow

Andre Anguissa’s strike in the 37th minute was enough to hand Cameroon a 1-0 win over Nigeria in their friendly encounter at the Weiner Neustadt Stadium in Austria on Friday night.

Anguissa latched on to a loose ball from Willliam Troost-Ekong before firing a brilliant shot past Maduka Okoye in Nigeria’s goal.

However, the Super Eagles have only themselves to blame as they created numerous chances to at least earn a draw.

Soccernet rates the performance of each Super Eagles star on the night.

Maduka Okoye (5): There’s nothing he could have done to prevent the goal as it was a brilliant strike from Anguissa. Aside from the goal, he had little to do.

Abdullahi Shehu (8): One of Nigeria’s best players on the night. Although he plays as a midfielder, he has always been deployed as a right-back in the national team and last night was no different.

Shehu was brilliant going forward and also exceptional in his defensive duties. He used the ball well-although his delivery still needs improvement.

Jamilu Collins (6): Collins had his chance to impress in the absence of Zaidu Sanusi, who usurped him in the left-back position.

The Paderborn defender was solid defensively but offered little going forward. He needs to offer more in the attack if he wants to win his place back.

William Troost-Ekong (5): Ekong led the team out, but he was at fault for the opening goal. His poor clearance fell into the path of Anguissa.

The Watford defender almost managed to redeem himself, but his low drive from a freekick was pushed away by Omossola in Cameroon’s goal.

Chidozie Awaziem (7): Awaziem partnered Ekong in the absence of Leon Balogun, and he never put a foot wrong. He was calm on the ball and was a threat from set-pieces.

Wilfred Ndidi (8): Ndidi once again showed his qualities which stood out from the rest. He was never afraid of getting into tackles, while he was adventurous going forward.

Aside from his play, his leadership attributes also showed that he scolded some of his teammates for not doing more.

Oghenekaro Etebo (7): Etebo had another good game in the midfield. The former Warri Wolves star was, as usual, full of energy and brilliant with his ball usage.

However, the final touch is still missing from his game.

Kelechi Iheanacho (5): Iheanacho had his best year in England in the just-concluded season, but he could not bring that form into the national team.

The Leicester City star played behind the striker but failed to impose himself on the game. Aside from a left-footed effort that flew over the bar, Iheanacho was silent all through the game.

Alex Iwobi (5): Iwobi once again had a poor game. The Everton star played on the flanks and got into dangerous positions but failed to take advantage.

Moses Simon (7): Fresh from saving Nantes from relegation, Simon played on the opposite flank. He was Nigeria’s best player in the attack.

He gave the Cameroonian full-backs a hard time and also tested Omassola on a couple of occasions.

Paul Onuachu (6): Onuachu had another opportunity to show Gernot Rohr why he should start more games. He started well, forcing Omassola into an early save with a brilliant header.

However, the Belgian league topscorer also missed numerous chances before he was taken off for Terem Moffi.

Subs

Ahmed Musa (5): The captain came on for Iheanacho but offered little.

Terem Moffi (5): He did not get enough service in the few minutes he had. But he showed a glimpse of what to expect through his movements.