Player Ratings: Ethiopia 1-2 Nigeria

Nigeria

0.00

4

0

• 
  4

  0

  Vincent Enyeama

  Game marred by a clanger which allowed Ethiopia to take a deserved lead, as he caught a speculative cross after it had crossed the line.
  
• 
  3

  0

  Azubuike Egwueke

  Managed to produce a couple of good blocks to ensure that Enyeama wasn't severely tested. Contributed efficiently to defensive efforts.
• 
  4

  0

  E. Ambrose

  The Celtic defender was a solid performer in the back four, aerially superior to any of his opponents. Highlighted his strength to dispossess Said on many an occasion.
• 
  3

  0

  Godfrey Oboabona

  The right-back highlighted his defensive quality with a stunning clearance to deny Ethiopia a clear goal in the first half and generally enjoyed a productive afternoon.
• 
  2

  1

  Uwa Elderson Echiejile

  Echiejile recovered from an indifferent start to limit Ethiopia's burgeoning influence on the field with one or two impressive blocks. Shielded his goal well.
• 
  4

  1

  John Obi Mikel

  The Chelsea midfielder illustrated his awareness in the middle of the park with a couple of fantastic passes and dictated the flow of the Nigerian play through the middle.
• 
  2

  0

  Ogenyi Onazi

  The combative midfielder put in a midfield performance full of purpose and efficiency. Linked well with Mikel to try and fashion chances at most opportunities, but wasn't at his usual best.
• 
  1

  1

  Victor Moses

  The on-loan Liverpool winger disappointed greatly this afternoon. Despite showing his array of dribbling skills, he was kept in check by the Walya Antelopes throughout.
• 
  3

  0

  Ahmed Musa

  Like Moses, threatened to be played out of the game, but Musa came alive in the second half, interlinking with Emenike up front. Unlucky not to have scored after seeing a measured strike hit the post.
• 
  8

  0

  Emenike Top of the Match

  The powerful forward dragged Nigeria back into contention with a simply stunning strike which the goalkeeper had no chance to deal with. Was the focal point of play, and later coolly slotted away the penalty. A great afternoon.
• 
  3

  1

  Nnamdi Oduamadi Flop of the Match

  Oduamadi was another forward player who roundly failed to inspire this afternoon. Spurned the few chances that came his way, including a woeful first half strike. Didn't offer too much in the finishing department.

Substitutions

• 
  4

  0

  N. Igiebor

  Was thrown on in the second half in place of Oduamadi, but didn't manage to make a sustained impact.
• 
  4

  1

  B. Ideye

  Came on in the second half in place of Victor Moses.

   

  Ethiopia

  
  

  0.00

  2

  1

  • 
    3

    1

    J. Tassew

    The Antelopes goalkeeper fared well up against the superior firepower of Nigeria but he was beaten by a stunning finish from Emmanuel Emenike and a penalty from the same player.
  • 
    3

    2

    A. Butako

    Advanced well down the flank, interlinking with his team-mates and providing a different sort of threat out wide. Defensively assured, particularly up against Musa and Onazi.
  • 
    2

    1

    Aynalem Hailu Reda

    Read the game well at various times, offering good interceptions but gave away a shocking penalty to hand Nigeria victory at the death. Poor tackle by the young defender.
  • 
    3

    1

    D. Debebe

    The Antelopes defender was a strong presence at the back, curtailing Nigeria's advances at every opportunity, with some good defensive interventions.
  • 
    3

    1

    Tesfaye Seyoum

    Despite picking up an early booking, Seyoum managed to sustain a threat on the right flank, as well as contributing to various passages of play.
  • 
    2

    1

    Asrat Megersa Gobena

    Contributed a fair amount to Ethiopia's successful quick, sharp and intricate level of passing to frustrate the Nigerians. At times erratic, but managed his job well.
  • 
    2

    1

    Adane Girma

    Girma was a potent threat in and around the penalty box, surprisingly carving open the Eagles' defence on more than one occasion. Clever on the ball, his decision making at times let him down.
  • 
    2

    1

    Behalu Assefa

    Showed some good footwork on the left, providing the cross that led to Ethiopia's first goal - though, another contentious goal provided by Enyeama's clanger.
  • 
    2

    1

    Minyahile Teshome Beyene

    Teshome conducted the attacking flow centrally, combining with the midfield with some efficient passing ranges, but began to tire as the game progressed. Couldn't maintain his level.
  • 
    2

    2

    S. Said

    The Ethiopian hitman was unlucky not to have scored the opener after a shocking decision despite the ball crossing the line midway through the first half. Was offered good service from his midfield.
  • 
    2

    1

    S. Bekele

    Was a potent presence from the wing, connecting well with the play, and offering a couple of decent deliveries. But he was wasteful on occasions in the final third.

  Substitutions

  • 
    2

    1

    Adis Hintsa Tekle

    Came on in the second half replacing Bekele, but saw a glancing header wide past Enyeama.
  • 
    2

    1

    U. Ukuri

    Replaced Adane Girma in the second half and slotted in well in the midfield.