Players Rating: Nigeria’s under23, Scores 5:0 Sudan

The U23 team of Nigeria secured passage to the 2019 Africa U23 Cup of Nations with a convincing 5-0 win over Sudan in the second leg of the final round of qualifiers for the tournament which will take place in Egypt.The win helped the team qualify on a 5-1 aggregate score and Owngoalnigeria.com rate the players on parade for Nigeria in the game that was played in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.Adamu Abubakar – Didn’t have any job to do between the sticks, he was virtually on holiday all through the game and even when the chance for him to be tested was presented to the Sudanese, they wasted it.John Lazarus – A much better display than what he had in the first game, the only thing missing from his game still remains his decision making. He however bagged an assist with a well weighted cross for Ndidfreke Udoh to score the second goal….. 5/10Ebube Duru – Didn’t do a lot defensively and when he tried to get involved in attack he looks off the pace. Has regressed badly from the lad who did very well one year ago against Atletico Madrid in the friendly game played by the Super Eagles B team….. 6/10Olisa Ndah – Solid in tackles, read and intercepts plays with ease. Also distributed the ball nicely from the back. Clearly one to watch out for in the future…… 7/10Anthony Izuchukwu – Imposing in duels and also very commanding in possession. His partnership with Ndah denied the Sudanese any chance to trouble goalkeeper Adamu Abubakar….. 7/10Azubuike Okechukwu – The livewire of the team. By far the best player on the pitch. He was everywhere on the pitch. Ball to feet kind off midfielder who looks like a future Super Eagles player. Stuck to his job nicely in front of the defence….. 8/10Kelechi Nwakali – Couple of nice touches but generally didn’t get involved more. Whipped in some telling corner kicks before he was substituted in the second half shortly after picking up a yellow card….. 6/10Ndidfreke Effiong – Scored a brace to cement his status as one of the senior players of the team. His positioning helped him to both goals even though he didn’t get involved enough. Almost grabbed a hattrick…… 8/10 Ibrahim – Strong, quick and not afraid to shoot. Scored a goal that his performance deserve and it could have been a brace for the Nasarawa United man if his shot after a storming solo move in the first half had gone in……. 7.5/10Blessing Olabiran – A mixed bad of delight and pain. Had some brilliant moment but didn’t look assured in front of goal and most times he was caught in two minds on if he is to pass or shot…… 6/10Taiwo Awoniyi – Scored a striker’s goal to set the Nigerians on their way to victory. Held up the ball nicely and brought others into play with his back to goal. He however didn’t play to his full potential…… 7/10Substitute :Sunday Faleye – Got a goal upon his introduction with what was his first touch. Looked lively for the time he was on the pitch…… 6 / 10Fatai Gbadamosi – Came in for Nwakali and played very closely to Azubuike. Helped in holding onto possession with Nigeria leading 5-0….. 5/10Steven Odey – His running and directness kept the defence of Sudan busy for the time he was on the pitch. Unlucky not to have scored…… 5/10