Nigeria’s five most impressive players in Brazil

Ivory Coast and Ghana failed to make it out of their various groups, others say the team didn’t meet their expectations especially against France in the 2nd round when Eagles where on the verge of history only to concede two avoidable goals and be eliminated from the Mundial.Whichever side you’re on, you’ll agree with me […]

Ivory Coast and Ghana failed to make it out of their various groups, others say the team didn’t meet their expectations especially against France in the 2nd round when Eagles where on the verge of history only to concede two avoidable goals and be eliminated from the Mundial.
Whichever side you’re on, you’ll agree with me that there are some players that became the shining light of Nigeria’s campaign, they gave their all, went in for every tackle and covered every inch of the pitch, let’s celebrate Eagles top five performers in Brazil.

1     Vincent Enyeama

Enyeama’s mishandling of a cross against France that enabled Paul Pogba to score the winning goal will always be held against him but overall the Lille goalkeeper was immense, he kept clean sheets against Iran and Bosnia, made 18 saves in the three group matches more than any other goalkeeper in the whole tournament and was voted the 4th best goalkeeper in Brazil 2014 ahead of U.S.A ‘s Tim Howard and behind only  Germany’s Manuel Neuer, Guillermo Ochoa of Mexico and the amazing Keylor Navas of Costa Rica.

2  Ahmed Musa

He dazzled with his dribbles and pace then made history against Argentina by becoming the first Nigerian to score two times in a World Cup match, although the Eagles lost the match which ended 3-2 in favour of their opponents, Musa scored Nigeria’s fastest ever goal at a World Cup in the fourth minute and also the fastest equaliser at the 2014 Mundial. The CSKA Moscow player wasn’t done yet, his first against Argentina was rat¬ed the fourth best goal in the competition behind James Rodriguez goal against Colom¬bia, Tim Cahill half volley strike against the Netherlands and Robin Van Persie diving header against Spain.

3     Osaze Odemwingie

A lot of controversy surrounded his return to the Super Eagles camp after a two year absence but his ability and experience was never in doubt. Odemwingie’s performance against Iran was one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise dull match, at one instance, he fired a ferocious shot that got everybody standing on their feet as the ball narrowly missed target. That was why it came as a huge shock when Keshi surprisingly criticized him after the game” ‘’No. No, No. Osaze didn’t play well. What he played was not the role I asked him to play,” the gaffer said leaving many bewildered.
The highlight for him remains scoring the goal that gave Nigeria their first 3 point in a World Cup since 1998, first victory over a European team in many years and ensured Eagles qualification to the knockout stage for the first time in 16 years.

4    Michael Babatunde

Keshi’s decision to overlook wide forwards such as Victor Obinna, and midfielders such as Joel Obi, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Sunday Mba and Nosa Igiebor meant that, as Brazil drew near, Babatunde found himself occupying a spot in a particularly undermanned portion of the squad. The Volyn Lutsk winger replaced Ramon Azeez for Nigeria’s second match, against Bosnia, and helped the Super Eagles to their first victory over a European team in 16 years.
Babatunde brought energy and intelligence to the centre of the pitch. Many had anticipated that he would be stationed on the left, allowing either Peter Odemwingie or Ahmed Musa to play as a Number 10.
Instead, it was Babatunde who linked the midfield and the attack, brought balance to the team, and flattered others with his intelligent movement.started brightly against Argentina before a typically lethal Ogenyi Onazi shot broke his wrist and ended his tournament.

5      Juwon Oshaniwa

When Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi released his final 23 man list for the World Cup, Oshaniwa was one names that drew indignation from many who believed the F.C Ashdod player has no business being in Brazil not knowing that the former Lobi stars defender was about to prove his doubters wrong.
Elderson Echiejile needed a backup, Francis Benjamin had done little to suggest it might be him and the differences between Keshi and Taye Taiwo had been well-documented this left Oshaniwa as the last man standing.
Echiejile was injured in the pre-tournament match against Greece and was ruled out of the tournamanet, Oshaniwa got his break in the starting eleven and played his part in Nigeria’s fine defensive display at the Mundial.
Some rough edges may have been exposed against Argentina and France, but the left-back was an important component in a patched-up defence (following Godfrey Oboabona’s injury) that kept clean sheets against Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina (and for nearly 80 minutes against Les Bleus).