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Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro has a lot on his table after losing his first two matches as Super Eagles boss
The Super Eagles suffered a second consecutive defeat under the new manager Jose Peseiro at the Red Bull Arena, New Jersey, on Friday morning.
A third-minute headed goal from Pervis Estupinan proved to be the difference as Ecuador inflicted another defeat on Peseiro and Nigeria in the US.
In the first game under the Portuguese manager, the Super Eagles narrowly lost 2-1 to Mexico with Cyriel Dessers scoring the consolation goal for Nigeria at the AT & T Stadium.
Despite an improved display from the Eagles in the second game early Friday morning, Nigeria was unable to turn that into a positive result, extending our winless run to five (5) matches.
Let’s take a look at the player ratings for the Super Eagles against Ecuador;
Goalkeeper
Francis Uzoho - 5/10 - had a good game, apart from the goal he conceded which was no fault of his, he made some good saves especially in the first half to keep Nigeria in the game.
Defenders
Calvin Bassey - 8/10 - Easily one of Nigeria’s best players on the pitch following another assured performance. Bassey contributed at both ends of the pitch and was unfortunate to not get an assist from Terem Moffi. He created one chance, made a key pass, won three of four attempted tackles and had 12 recoveries.
Semi Ajayi - 6/10 - It was an encouraging outing from the West Bromwich Albion man.
William Troost-Ekong - 4/10 - While the skipper had an improved performance compared to the game against Mexico, Troost-Ekong wasn’t assured as he should be and was always too eager to go long even though the Super Eagles tried to play out from the back. The 28-year-old completed just two of 10 attempted long passes.
Chidozie Awaziem - 5/10 - It was a quiet day at the office for Chidozie and he lasted just 45 minutes.
Midfielders
Alex Iwobi - 8/10 - Another brilliant outing for the Everton star, who has proven in the two games that his form for the Toffees was not a fluke. He worked hard on and off the ball for the team, created two good chances, made eight recoveries, and won 100% of his tackles and dribbles. Iwobi, like Bassey, was also denied at least an assist by his teammate, Cyriel Dessers.
Joe Aribo - 7/10 - While Aribo was not as creative as he needed to be, he put in the work for the team and at times looked like the only player in midfielder for the Super Eagles. Aribo made nine recoveries, completed 100% of his dribbles and had three interceptions.
Sani Faisal - 4/10 - Faisal was quiet throughout the 45 minutes he spent on the pitch and didn’t particularly look like he knew what his role in the team was.
Moses Simon - 5/10 - He completed the most dribbles (4), and created three chances but his performance lacked the required bite in the final third to trouble the Ecuador defense.
Forwards
Cyriel Dessers - 4/10 - After scoring his first international goal in the previous game, it was really a night to forget for Dessers after he cost his side, missing two good chances including a sitter.
Terem Moffi - 4/10 - Like his striker partner, Moffi failed to cover himself with glory in this game. While the referee denied him a legitimate penalty, he can’t be forgiven for failing to covert a beautiful cross from Bassey in the first half.
Subs
Ola Aina - 6/10 - He was slightly better than the man he replaced in the second half, Awaziem.
Emmanuel Dennis - 5/10 - Dennis needs to understand that the Super Eagles are a serious business and should play accordingly. He has not looked serious in the green and white kit yet.
Do you agree with these ratings? Do leave a comment in the comments section.
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