Tournament Player Ratings
It didn't go to plan in France as the Super Falcons were unable to build upon the foundations of their admirable outing in the world cup last year, having succumb to 3 soul destroying losses in the Olympics.
Below are my brief observations of how the players performed throughout the tournament.
1 GK Tochukwu Oluehi: she didn't see any action however, could this be her last tournament for Nigeria? (no ratings)
16 GK Chiamaka Nnadozie: Her credentials as one of the best goalkeepers in the business remain untarnished with some truly breathtaking goalkeeping interceptions. 7/10
2 DF Michelle Alozie: She can be a weak link at times in 1v1 situations in being dribbled and allowing crossings in. She is not always overly impressive on the ball and she can be dispossessed. Professional: yes, compelling: no. 5/10
3 DF Osinachi Ohale: Long balls from her were harmless and her leadership skills were not seen. However, marking, tackles and interceptions are neither careless nor crude. Timing is good and attitude is exemplary. 6.5/10
4 DF Nicole Payne: She made a strong case for starting berths in future with sleek mobility and a can-do attitude on the ball as a sub. Her movements show intent and her magnetic screen presence grabbed my attention and locked it in place. 7/10
5 DF Chidinma Okeke: Her attitude was respectable and she showed great potentials to attempt to overcome adversity. But her return to tournament football was marked and marred (at times) with questionable positioning, ineffective marking and near-non existent overlapping play. (4.5/10)
14 DF Oluwatosin Demehin: You always get the sense that her best is reserved for future tournaments. Timing of her tackles were suspect and her long balls to attackers were forgettable. Overall, focus and concentration were to good standards. 5.5/10
7 MF Toni Payne: She is not at her best in the middle. Perhaps it is time she returns to the flanks for good. She struggled to shrug off markers and was unable to influence games compellingly despite sporadic good efforts here and there. 4/5/10
10 MF Christy Ucheibe: She is not a force to reckon with in the offensive elements of the game. It didn't stop her shooting at goal or providing an assist. Overall, more centre and defensive roles are where she shines brightest. 6/10
11 MF Jennifer Echegini: Well, I have to rein in my frustration. I think it is easy to bump her off the ball and the whole midfield orientation and understanding were lost to her. Her credentials as a credible goal scorer with top notch technique shone through. 4/10
13 MF Deborah Abiodun: This lady deserves an award for the most tireless, relentless, painstaking and fluid defensive midfielder for Nigeria. She is flawless in her defensive applications which takes her to the nook and cranny of the patch. 8/10
15 FW Rasheedat Ajibade: She was lively on the flanks with penetrating runs, compelling dribbles and promising deliveries. She was less composed in front of goal though and less influential in midfield. 6/10
6 FW Esther Okoronkwo: As lively as grig offensively and defensively. Now that is a centre forward who can also moonlight as a winger with remarkable level of efficiency. 6/10
8 FW Asisat Oshoala: Her hold up play in midfield was commendable and her through long passes hit the mark. I am worried that she appears to have lost her raw pace and tenacity - at least in this tournament (something that was her trademark and her unique selling point). She does endeavor to put in the shift. 5/10
9 FW Chinonyerem Macleans: A controversial centre forward selection that saw no action when wingers should have be taken instead.
12 FW Uchenna Kanu: She was often introduced late and even at that struggled to leave a mark. Her runs were picked off and her passes cut off. 4/10
17 FW Chinwendu Ihezuo: Her primary responsibility was to score goals and in fairness she got into dangerous areas. However, restrained composure and inadequate technique proved her undoing. 4.5/10
18 FW Ifeoma Onumonu: A credible centre forward who proved time and again that wingplay is not her forte. 4.5/10
19. Coach Randy Waldrum: Picking Iheuzo as his biggest goal threat backfired. Playing Onumonu on the flanks failed to inspire. Over-reliance on Toni Payne-Christie Ucheibe midfield proved unproductive. The selection of Okeke in left bank tanked. And the introduction of 4-1-4-1 formation bombed badly.
Коментарі