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| Oghenekaro Etebo was the standout player on an afternoon of forgettable performances |
An afternoon of woebegone performances by Nigeria saw the Super Eagles succumb to a 0-2 defeat against Madagascar.
Lailana Nomenjanahary pounced on Leon Balogun’s defensive mistake to round Ikechukwu Ezenwa in the first half, and Carolus Andriamatsinoro finished off the more higher rated Nigerians when his freekickmtook a heavy deflection;off Nigeria substitute Wilfred Ndidi and sailed past Ikechukwu Ezenwa.
There were precious few displays to give credit to and we do our best
EZENWA 4
Not very much he could do about the first goal, and short of growing an extra couple of inches Same with the second.
Beyond that, he was hardly ever tested although he did have to make a low reaction save from a scramble that followed a corner kick.
AWAZIEM 5
Was given a bit of a bother by Carolus for most of the game but offered the major attacking outlet on the right little. When he did peel forward, barely got any service and delivered only a few crossed balls
AINA 6
One of the few who came away with any sort of credit from the train wreck that was the Alexandria night. Stayed strong in his tackling, and looked a danger helping out in attack. Infact, almost created one good opportunity.
TROOST-EKONG 5
Held his own strongly in defence, but also had his moments of nervous uncertainty on occasion. Lost his man on the second goal, forcing Ndidi into a tackle that led to the fatal freekick.
BALOGUN 5
Guilty in the second phase of the error that led to the opening goal. Almost caused a second with a back pass but from then on, kept his head about him as he tried to shake off the mistake. Beaten in the air from a cornerkick close to the hour that almost led to a third goal but overall, reacted well to making a mistake
OGU 4
Even he will be wondering how quickly he can forget this game. Looked invisible for most of his time on the pitch. Responsible for the first goal with a high risk pass to Balogun under next to no pressure.
ETEBO 7
Another one to emerge out of all this with some of his dignity intact. Ran himself aground tracking players, making tackles, and trying to win second balls. The Stoke man was a major reason this stayed respectable and he kept the midfield going when the other two went AWOL. Man of the Match.
MIKEL OBI 4
A poor display from the skipper. Looked off the pace, misplaced his passes, mistimed tackles and just lost the ball uncharacteristically. In fact, the less said the better.
MUSA 6
The last of the trio who acquitted themselves well on the day. Musa tried to win the game on his own, switched wings, took players on, dropped deep and had at least one chance to score which he ruined by taking one touch too many.
KALU 4
He may have been passed medically fit to play, but Kalu played like a man with one eye on his medical report. Lacked his usual verve and even his take-ons were tentative and lacking in spark.
IGHALO 4
Bad day at the office for him. Totally shut down by Pascal Razakanantenaina. His first touch deserted him and he never quite found his way back into the game.
SUBS
NDIDI 5
Brought some much-needed energy back into the middle, not to mention assistance for the overworked Etebo. But was guilty of recklessly giving away the free kick that led to the second goal. Almost made amends when he turned inside thebox and let off a left footer, only to see it go straight to the keeper.
IWOBI 4
Added a bit more spark and drive after coming in for Mikel, but by then the damage had been done and there was little he could do to shake the confidence of the Madagascans.
SIMON
Not enough to earn a rating
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