Algeria 1-1 Nigeria: Observations and Ratings

To the surprise of nobody, Super Eagles of Nigeria rounded up the qualifying series unbeaten after an incredible start to the Campaign.

Meanwhile, It's never too late to reflect back on the performances, positives and negatives of the Super Eagles against the Desert Foxes.
Ikechukwu Ezenwa: Ikechukwu Ezenwa showed some promises with impressive cleansheets against Cameroon and Zambia but his poor aerial goalkeeping skills will ensure that Nigeria are one cross away from World Cup elimination.

His situation is like that of a Boxer with gloves but not throwing any punch at the opponent.

The former FC Ifeanyi Ubah custodian should be part of the squad to World Cup as reward for his contributions but there's need for experience which could be provided with the inclusion of Vincent Enyeama.

We should also recall that Enyeama won two man of the match awards at 2010 World Cup against Argentina where he made six saves and against Greece with porous defence and we should give kudos to our intellectual defence line for helping our goalkeeper but they will never prevent teams from having a go at whosoever will be goal.

Kelechi Iheanacho: It should be said that he isn't in best frame of mind and he's low in confidence but he brought something positive to the team that has been missing.

Victor Moses has been taking our setplays but the Chelsea wing-back is right footed playing setplays from left with always produce an in-swinger or shot on target while setplays from the right by Moses is so predictable and the results will always be out-swinger.
Kelechi as probably the only left footed forward in the team gave us a new breath of life on the right side with several dangerous deliveries from free-kicks but it will be left to see if he's going to command a regular shirt.

Shehu Abdullahi : Mallam Shehu gaskiya is a classical example of talent and hard work.

The former Kano Pillars star flourished as a Central and defensive midfielder at CHAN 2014 and was one of the most exciting players alongside Ejike Uzoenyi and Rabiu Ali but he's back to a position he played under Coach John Obuh at U-20 level and plays like an extra midfielder from defence.

He's making the reserve right full-backs look irrelevant.

Olaoluwa Aina: The Hull City defender is someone who understands the flanks very well and he's most likely going to get more goals as a left back than a right back because of the ability to strike from with his stronger foot but that will depend on how his flank partners get him to positions to make runs.

An upgrade of Echiejile!

John Ogu :Probably the best shooter in the deep department of the Engine of the Super Eagles but he must raise his speed of thought and make more telling forward passes for the front players than returning the ball to the defenders in tight areas alias 'One Corner'.
The Israeli based star should be ahead of Mikel Agu in the pecking order with that tremendous strike.

Wilfred Ndidi: Leicester City midfield warlord is the best danger averter in the squad but below par as a Central midfielder in terms of pass percentage. The absence of Mikel and Onazi showed the loopholes in his game.

Alex Iwobi: Invisible in top matches for Super Eagles and still have a long way to go in development.

Argentina game will allow me to fully assess Onyekuru,Ebuehi,Brian Idowu,Francis Uzoho hopefully,Chidiebere Nwakali and few others.

Balogun struggled for clear visuals with his ninja mask,Nwakaeme was decent.

Finally, Our players need to learn how to take advantage of situations and a little bit of drama could win matches. Shehu Abdullahi didn't convince the referee that he was headbutted by staying on his feet instead of rolling on the floor like European,South American and North African professionals.
■Ratings

Ezenwa- 4

Aina-6

Shehu- 8

Balogun- 6

Ekong-7

Ogu-7

Ndidi-6

Etebo- 6

Iwobi- 5

Iheanacho- 6

Nwakaeme- 6

●Subs

Onyekuru- 5

Musa-N/A