Considering the timing of them, the Super Eagles‘ friendlies against Ghana, Jamaica and Russia were unlikely to attract Nigeria’s best and brightest.
As such, these matches were treated as showcases for some of the more fringe personnel in the national team pool. Against that backdrop, it is impressive that Eric Chelle’s side came away from those matches unscathed, their unbeaten start under the Malian coach intact.
That is not to say, however, that performances were perfect across the board. While some faltered under scrutiny, others staked their claims for consideration when even the regulars are available. Here are three of each.
Super Eagles winners
Cyriel Dessers
The Rangers man has endured a difficult relationship with the Nigeria national team. All eight of his international caps have come in friendlies, a fact that is not lost on the player himself.
Well, if he wanted that to change, his performances in the Unity Cup did a better job of making his case than his interview decrying the situation. A goal against the Black Stars and an assist against the Reggae Boyz, both executed with calm and clarity, were the highlights, but his overall hustle also caught the eye. Based on performances, it would be difficult to exclude him when next the Super Eagles convene.
Raphael Onyedika
Unselected for the Unity Cup, Onyedika made his mark against Russia, excelling at the base of midfield in an experimental lineup that spent long stretches of time in disarray.
Able to keep his head while everyone else loses theirs, as well as escape pressure, the Club Brugge man brings an element of composure to the table that no one else can or does. Chelle is big on his desire to win the ball back, but if the Super Eagles are to be effective in possession as well, he needs a metronome.
Maduka Okoye
For so long maligned by Super Eagles fans for not exuding authority, the Udinese goalkeeper was the entire reason Nigeria were not beaten inside the Luzhniki Stadium.
In a raucous atmosphere, Okoye made some important saves, especially in the second half when the hosts ramped up the pressure and threatened to turn a draw into victory.
At a time when no.1 Stanley Nwabali has begun to exhibit some shakiness, it must be reassuring for Chelle to know he has a capable deputy on whom to call should the situation arise.
Super Eagles losers
Bruno Onyemaechi
The 26-year-old once seemed like the answer to Nigeria’s left-back struggles. That, however, was a long time ago; with each passing game, Onyemaechi looks less competent.
After failing to pull up any trees against Ghana, he put up a performance of proper incompetence against Russia. So poor was he that, had it not been a friendly, he almost certainly would have been sent off. Caught out position, misjudging the flight of the ball, and over-running the ball – there was so much inefficiency on display, it would be a miracle if he gets further starts for the Super Eagles.
Victor Boniface
Sometimes, things just don’t fit the way one would expect. There is clearly a good player in there with Boniface, as his exploits in Europe will attest. However, in green and white, he just looks short of the required standard.
While he created the Super Eagles’ one proper chance against Russia with a brilliant return pass, his inability to give oxygen to his side’s attacks or make the ball stick when it came to him was disappointing. As if to buttress his misfortune, Tolu Arokodare, a clearly less talented player, replaced him and scored, albeit thanks to a gift. That just paints a picture, does it not?
Igoh Ogbu
It can be easy to fall in love with players who wear their hearts on their sleeves. Ogbu is of that ilk: there is never any doubt that every action is done with the utmost effort.
The trouble is that, when it comes to defending, that by itself is not enough. There is no substitute for timing, positioning, spatial awareness and the like. Not every defensive situation is a one-on-one duel. The Slavia Prague defender looked lost at times, not savvy enough to follow the play or pick the correct man when the ball was out wide. If the question is who is Calvin Bassey’s long-term partner, Ogbu is not the answer.
