Player Ratings: How Super Eagles ‘defeated’ Iceland

Super Eagles kept their World Cup hopes alive after defeating Iceland 2-0, thanks to a sensational brace from Ahmed Musa.

After a goalless first half, the game sprung to life as the Leicester winger scored two fantastic goals to put Super Eagles in the second position of group D, ahead of Argentina.

Iceland had the chance to get a goal as VAR awarded the side a penalty in the 80th minute but Gylfi Sigurdsson put his effort high above the bar.

Here is how Super Eagles fared against Iceland.

Francis Uzoho
Wasn’t really given too much worry about. He would have conceded another goal through a penalty today but was saved as Gylfi Sigurdsson fired the 80th penalty high above the bar. He had a couple of saves and claimed his first clean sheet in the tournament. He is the second youngest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet at the World Cup. *7

William Troost-Ekong
One part one the famed Oyinbo Wall wasn’t really troubled, thanks to a very good tactical approach by the coach. Well organised and impressive display at the back from all three. They dealt with the set-pieces and long balls well. *7

Leon Balogun
Kept his opponent off his box and made crucial headers in the first half. Impressive display as he dealt well with the set-pieces. *7

Kenneth Omeruo
Made his first appearance today and played with so much confidence and strength. Assisted in attacking the ball well and winning tackles and headers. *7

Brian Idowu
Didn’t start with the team in the second half, perhaps because of a late yellow card in the first half. He played his part well, defended and attacked well. *5

John Obi Mikel
Played in front of the back three and tried to find the strikers’ feet with balls forward. Impressive display as he showed his dexterity in playing a deeper role than further forward. He provided excellent balance to the team. *7

Wilfred Ndidi
Wasn’t 100% into the game. He was better in defending than in his secondary role of attacking. He showed more zeal in the second half and was on target but the Iceland keeper denied him of his supposed first international goal for Nigeria. *6

Oghenekaro Etebo
Had some important defensive challenges, but not good enough going forward as well in the first half.  Win Jackpot
Almost changed that in the second half as he made a bursting run through and almost scored when he got his shot away. Was a lot better in the second half. *7

Victor Moses
Played his usual role at the right wing back position he plays at Chelsea. Wasn’t really on top of his game in the first half but that changed in the second half as he was a lot more positive. He provided the assist for Musa’s first goal. 7

Ahmed Musa
Nigeria’s man of the match showed some great pace at times, but not there to link up with Iheanacho. He gave Nigeria the lead with his sensational goal in the 50th minute. He got his second just fifteen minutes after with another excellent finish. *9

Kelechi Iheanacho
Super Eagles attack looked more threatening today with his movement and pace. Although he couldn’t get many chances, he gave the attack what it missed in their first game against Croatia. *7

Substitutes

Tyronne Ebuehi
Came him for Brian Idowu at the start of the second. Played well but gave away a silly penalty that Sigurdsson missed. *5

Odion Ighalo
Came in for Iheanacho in the 85th minute of the encounter, couldn’t do so much. *4

Alex Iwobi
Was introduced in the 90th and made a mark for himself with a blocked shot. *5