"Big Game" Musa Restores Nigeria's Hope....

Ahmed Musa, so often derided by Nigerian fans, once again proved why he is so critical. He scored a brace and had a third come off the bar as Nigeria outclassed Iceland 2-0 to restore hope of reaching the Round of 16 of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. There were those who even questioned Musa's inclusion in Nigeria's final 23-man squad to the World Cup. Then others questioned the coach's decision to restore him to the starting position in this game against Iceland. But few of them would ask further questions after he single handedly destroyed Iceland.

Nigeria was lethargic in the opening half. It was all possession for Nigeria but without a single shot at goal compared to Iceland's six in the opening half. The performance was mystifying considering the urgency needed to worry Iceland. But in the opening minute of the second half, Nigeria signaled two important changes. The first was that Coach Rohr hauled off an uninventive Idowu and installed a more attacking option in Tyrone Ebuehi. Then in the first move, Etebo exploded through the middle to hit a weak grounder that was easily saved by the goalkeeper. It was Nigeria's first shot of the game but it was very important because it signaled a change in attitude.

But before the sudden attitude change, Nigeria had demonstrated loudly that it could cope with Iceland's aerial threats as it held its own against Iceland's corner kicks and long throw-ins. Clearly, the introduction of Omeruo helped as it was an added man who could compete and duel aerially. 

In the second half, as Nigeria increased the pace it was surely a matter of time. That goal arrived four minutes into the second half when Musa scored a world class goal with a superb control of Moses' cross before hitting viciously into the net. Then in the 74th minute he hit another spectacular shot against the bar. But he was not finished. A minute later, he broke speedily into the left side of the box leaving a defender in his wake and then left the goalkeeper sprawling in a quick dribble before hitting another shot into the net. It was a goal that surely will be shown over and over again in the future. Musa had certainly reminded Nigerians today of what he is worth when the big game is in front of the team.

Here is my rating of the players:

Francis Uzoho (23) -- 6.8 -- Did not put one foot wrong. In the first half, he kept Nigeria in the game with some saves. Uzoho is turning into a main stay for this team even beyond this World Cup.

Leon Balogun (6) -- 7.0 -- Leon had another very good day. He won the aerial duels and had the time to join the attack. In addition, he came very close with a header from a corner kick.

William Ekong (5) -- 6.2 -- William was very good in the air and produced an assuring display at the back.

Kenneth Omeruo (22) -- 6.2 -- Kenneth was not taking any chances today. He was ready to boot the ball a mile away and was winning several aerial duels. However, he had one mental mistake when he lost the ball deep in his box when it would have been easier to clear and it led to Ebuehi conceding a penalty kick.

Victor Moses (11) -- 6.5 -- Victor was good especially in the second half when he gave Icelandic defenders much to think about. He ended the day with an assistant on Musa's first goal.

Brian Idowu (2) -- 5.9 -- Brian was not sure of his play today and did not do much to help the attack on the left and he was correctly pulled off in the beginning of the second half.

Wilfred Ndidi (4) -- 6.4 -- Ndidi was again busy in the ball recovery phase and did well joining the attack as well.  This is essentially a consistent display.

Mikel Obi (10) -- 6.8 -- Obi was withdrawn deep for this game and he seemed to have lost very little. He dominated the ball and bossed the game from deep. His late hand injury may yet be a major issue if it leads to his absence from the Argentina game.

Oghenekaro Etebo (8) -- 6.4 -- Another outstanding display moving the team forward. His energy is the kick that moved this team forward even in the mostly lethargic opening half.

Ahmed Musa (7) -- 9.0 -- Outstanding display when Nigeria needed it. Even in the first half when the team could not get through he showed consistent effort and determination before his second half explosion.

Kelechi Iheanacho (14) -- 6.0 -- Kelechi had an average game but he does bring consistent threat at the striker position.

Tyrone Ebuehi (21) - 6.1 -- Tyrone came in and had a better game than Idowu. Yes, he gave up an inadvertent penalty kick but his play was assuring on the left.

Odion Ighalo (9) -- X -- Not rated.

Alex Iwobi (18) -- X -- Not rated.