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Nigeria Player Ratings vs. Saudi Arabia: Bruno Shines, but Late Equalizer Leaves Nigeria Frustrated

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2 months ago

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In a fiercely contested international friendly game between the Nigeria Super Eagles and Saudi Arabia ended in a stalemate with the two sides scoring (2) goals apiece to finish up the game on a 2-2 scoreline.

Roberto Mancini’s tutored Saudi Arabia Senior National team side, got the first goal of the game in the 61st minute when Nigeria goalkeeper Francis Uzoho scored an own goal, Nigeria got a well-deserved equalizer in the 72nd minute through another own goal from Saudi Arabia goalkeeper after Victor Boniface converted a sublime pass from Moses Simon to force the Saudi Arabia goalkeeper to commit the error.

Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho scored the second goal after striking from the edge of the box to beat the helpless goalkeeper to give Nigeria the lead in the 80th minute as the game ended 2-1 in favour of the Nigeria team.

Saudi Arabia got their equalizer from the set piece after converting a deflected free kick in the 96th minute of the game.

Player Ratings for Brazil:

– Francis Uzoho (Goalkeeper): 7/10 – Made an excellent save but couldn’t prevent the equalizer.

– Bruno Onyemaechi: 8/10 – Was alive to his offensive and defensive duties playing from the left back position, the Boavista Futebol Clube defender almost recorded an assist.

– Samuel Chukwueze: 5/10 – A bit loose on the ball.

– Alex Iwobi: 7/10 – Was the player who single handedly dominated the midfield for the Eagles, stringing passes and recorded an attempt on goal.

– Ebuehi: 6/10 – Solid at right-back.

– Ndidi Wilfred (Midfield): 6/10 – Kept things tidy and broke up play.

– Ademola Lookman: 6/10 – Had an effort well denied and moved the ball effectively.

– Victor Boniface: 8/10 – Showcased attacking brilliance with skill and driving runs, orchestrated the Eagles first goal off an own goal.

– Kelvin Bassey: 8/10 – showed off class as usual as he commanded the backline expertly.

– Semiu Ajayi: 7/10 – Regardless not claiming a clean-sheet, Ajayi and his defensive pair, Calvin Bassey were calm and a delightful to watch.

–Victor Osimhen: 8/10 – The Napoli man as usual came to the party, worried the opponent’s backline but was unlucky scoring..

Substitutes and Manager:

– Terem Moffi: 6/10 – Coming on for Osimhen, Moffi played his role, recording an attempt at gooal

– Kelechi Iheanacho: 8/10 – Offered more in link-up play and came through with thee team second gooal

– Osayi Samuel: 5/10 – Came on for Ebuehi and continued from where the Empoli stopped.

– Sadiq Umar: N/A – Limited time to make an impact.

– Joe Aribo: N/A – Limited time to make an impact.

–Jose Paserrio (Manager): 8/10 – Fielded a strong XI, but the team failed to convert its chances and failed to defend its lead.

Brazil’s inability to secure a win despite their dominance leaves them frustrated, next for the Super Eagles is a date with the Mozambique senior National team

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National Team News

World Cup Qualifiers: Nigeria Super Eagles Possible XI Against Zimbabwe

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3 weeks ago

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November 18, 2023

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After failing to pick maximum points in Nigeria against Lesotho, the Nigeria Super Eagles will continue it’s quest to participate in the 2026 World Cup haven been fixed to face Zimbabwe in Kigali, Rwanda tomorrow.

Known the importance of the fixture, Super Eagles gaffer, Coach Jose Peseiro, handed invite to (23) players as they are already in camp gearing up for the all important fixture.

With the absence of Super Eagles forward, Taiwo Awoniyi,who played against Lesotho but flown back to England owing to injury, Coach Jose will be forced to make changes in the squad to face Zimbabwe.

Ahead of the fixture tomorrow, here is a sketch of the Nigeria Super Eagles XI

In his usual 4-3-3 formation, Jose Peseiro will be sticking with Francis Uzoho in goal with a defensive backline four of Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina and hardworking Bruno Onyemaechi replacing Jamilu Collins.

In the midfield, Coach Jose Peseiro will be sorting for creativity and is most likely to play the pair of Frank Onyeka with Victor Boniface playing at the back of the Center-Forward.

Upfront without Coach Jose is most likely to hand Terem Moffi a start following his influence in the last game and would be flanked on the wings with Moses Simon and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Nigeria’s possible starting lineup 4-3-3

Uzoho; Aina, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Simon, Onyeka, Iheanacho; Boniface, Moffi, Iwobi

Match details

Competition: CAF World Cup Qualifiers

Match: Zimbabwe vs. Nigeria

Venue: Kigali, Rwanda

Date: Sunday November 19, 2023

Kickoff time: 5 pm (Nigerian time)

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National Team News

‘Hopefully, We Will Do A Lot More In The Next Game’ Kelechi Iheanacho Reassures Nigerians

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3 weeks ago

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November 17, 2023

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Nigeria Super Eagles and Leciester City striker, Kelechi Iheanacho has reassured Nigerians to keep supporting the team as they continue their quest to book a place in the 2026 World Cup.

The Nigerian international took to his official Instagram handled to reassure millions of Nigerians to keep hope alive.

“Huge honour to captain the boys yesterday, I know this was a gave we have to win but we didn’t but got a point from it. Hopefully we will do a lot more in our next game and get the 3 points”

The Super Eagles of Nigeria yesterday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium started off his campaign for 2026 World Cup on a bad note haven been held to a 1-1 draw by Lesotho.

The fixture had the visitors, Lesotho, take an early lead in the second half but Süper Eagles defender Semi Ajayi equalized off a Kelechi Iheanacho assist from a set-piece.

Next for the Nigeria Super Eagles side is an away fixture to a Zimbabwe in Rwanda on Sunday.

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Nigeria Vs Lesotho: Superstars FA President Attracts Cameroonian Ex-International Patrick M’Boma

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3 weeks ago

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November 16, 2023

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Prominent Cameroonian Ex-Interrnational and Africa Footballer Of The Year winner, Patrick M’Boma, added colour and glamour to the Nigeria Super Eagles World Cup qualifiers fixture against Lesotho played earlier today at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

The Cameroonian former footballer who has been in Uyo on the invitation of Superstars Football Academy,Uyo President, Hon. Victor Apugo, ranked amongst top dignitaries recognized before the Nigeria vs Lesotho fixture.

The Cameroonian born ex-footballler listed amongst the numerous top foreign scouts on ground in the Uyo based Academy side, Superstars Football Academy, annual scouting tournament.

Nigeria started the match dominating possession and creating several chances to open the scoring in the first half but lost momentum as the minutes ticked by. The visitors even had their chance to show their claws in the first period due to mistakes made by the home side
As a result, the first 45 minutes ended in a goalless draw. The Super Eagles took to the field with the same attitude to continue the match and Lesotho managed to take the lead due to their low pressure.

Tshwarelo Bereng took a corner-kick and Motlomelo Mkhwanazi finished it off to take the upper hand in the 56th minute of the match. After several changes made by coach Jose Pereiro, Nigeria found the equaliser in the 67th minute just as the opener was scored.

Semi Ajayi, who plays for English side West Bromwich Albion, restarted the match with a header after a corner-kick taken by his compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho, who also plays in the Championship for Leicester City.

Nigeria were expected to win all three points in Thursday’s match but their lack of good efforts saw them share the points at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria.

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