MTNFOOTBALL.COM rates the performances of the Super Eagles in Saturday’s decisive 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Liberia in Calabar:
6 Vincent Enyeama
The Nigeria stand-in skipper was not so busy but when called to duty by Sekou Oliseh, he dived at full stretch to touch the ball to safety in the 34th minute. He also cut out some moves by Liberians, one of which earned the Liberia skipper Gebro the marching order for diving.
6 Efe Ambrose
Getting the opener as early as the first minute to unsettle Liberia was a great one from the Celtic man. A few glitches here and there, but he managed to often stop the dangerous Oliseh from causing any serious damage. His tactical awareness meant his lack of pace did not really show at right back.
7 Elderson Echiejile
The Sporting Braga left back did well to curtail the Liberians. He was solid defensively, helped to organise the back four in the absence of skipper Joseph Yobo and attacked more in the second period when victory was assured.
8 Mikel Obi
A top-class performance from the Chelsea midfielder on his return to the national team after almost a year’s absence. He crowned a great individual display with a goal and an assist. He is back to stay, hopefully.
7 Godfrey Oboabona
The Sunshine Stars skipper formed a good partnership with fellow NPL star Egwuekwe in the heart of the defence in the absence of Yobo. He did creditably well to ensure Yobo was not sorely missed especially defensive wise.
7 Azubuike Egwuekwe
The second home-based player in the starting XI was superb in his marking and struck a good understanding with Oboabona. He made life difficult for Oliseh in particular. It is little wonder that he has remained a fixture of Keshi’s Eagles since December.9 Ahmed Musa
A man-of-the-match performance for the CSKA Moscow man playing strangely on the left side of attack. His pace was too much for the Lone Star defenders to deal with and it was from one of the fouls against him that Victor Moses delivered the free kick for Ambrose to head Nigeria in front. He did well to deliver some good crosses and the goal he scored was top-draw. He could now throw a big 20th birthday party.
6 Nosa Igiebor
He did enough, threatening the Liberia goal on occasions but his finishing has to be better at this level.
8 Victor Moses
Arguably his best showing in a Nigeria shirt by the Chelsea man and he was rewarded with a brace and an assist. He has gradually integrated into the Eagles and will be handful for defences at South Africa 2013 with his dribbles and sharpness in front of goal.
7 Obiora Nwankwo
Again not spectacular but he did what was expected of him, combining well with Mikel in the heart of the midfield to ensure it did not collapse as was the case in Monrovia last month.
7 Emmanuel Emenike
His power was too much for Liberia to handle, though he did not get on the score board, he caused his markers all sorts of problems and delivered the assist for Ahmed Musa’s goal.
7 Ikechukwu Uche
He came off the bench for Emmanuel Emenike to score a goal and would have scored more. He will always be dangerous in a green-white-green shirt even though he now features in the Spanish lower league.
4 Brown Ideye
A late second-half substitute was denied a goal from point-blank range by Nathaniel Sherman. He needs more time to show what he is really capable of.
4 Ogenyi Onazi
The Lazio youngster saw about 10 minutes of action. He was busy from the moment he came on and even forced the Liberia goalkeeper to make a big save. Worth another look-in.
How they played: 4-3-3 Eagles starting XI: Vincent Enyeama – Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Elderson Echiejile – Mikel Obi, Nosa Igiebor (Brown Ideye 77), Obiora Nwankwo (Ogenyi Onazi 82) – Ahmed Musa, Emmanuel Emenike (Ike Uche 53), Victor Moses
Unused subs: Joel Obi, Umar Zango, Austin Ejide, Ejike Uzoenyi
