Nigeria Take the Important 3 points v Burundi.....

Alexandria, EGYPT -- Nigeria took all three points today with a 1-0 win over Burundi. That is what mattered as the Super Eagles' AFCON campaign commenced. However, the reality was that Nigeria was expected to crush the Burundi team. Nigeria dominated most of the game but the final play was lacking and the Burundians defended stoutly. One also has to wonder if the reported multiple illnesses and injuries in the Nigerian camp had its effect. In any case, the objective was achieved with Nigeria taking all three points.

Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi were the most impressive Nigerian players going forward but it was Ighalo's clinical finishing from Ola Aina's superb assist made the difference. One shock was the performance of Nigerian captain Mikel Obi who was well below par until the manager rescued him with a deserved substitution after 57 minutes of work.

The team was playing very quick with Chukwueze at the head of the spear, turning the Burundi defenders inside out, repeatedly, on the right. It got quicker after Mikel was rescued from the field. Notably, it was heartwarming to see that even at that speed the Super Eagles had an even higher gear which they put in effect in the last 20 minutes as the Burundians threatened to split the points.

The Nigerian goalkeeping? It is clear that Akpeyi's jitters have not gone away. In this game, he recorded one in each half and while the first led to an unforced corner kick, the second nearly cost the Super Eagles. Besides those, he was relatively solid and made a spectacular save after a Burundi forward smashed a shot from inside the box.

Here is the rating for each player:

Daniel Akpeyi (16) -- 6.0 -- He made some good saves but his jitters remain.

Abdullahi Shehu (12) -- 6.3 -- Shehu was having a very good game until he was taken off injured before the interval. His attack down the right, in tandem with Chukwueze, provided the Nigerian danger while he was on the field.

William Ekong (5) -- 6.0 -- Ekong has become the master of just doing enough in leading the defense. Nothing spectacular.  However, he appeared shaken by a late tackle and was then easily beaten on the left to leave the Nigerian goalkeeper and defense at the mercy of the opponents late.

Kenneth Omeruo (22) -- 6.4 -- Kenneth was clearly Nigeria's better central defender on the day. He won his battles easily both on the ground and in the air. Then he had a dangerous header just go above the bar as Nigeria sought to go ahead.

Ola Aina (2) -- 6.5 -- Aina has grown in his play and that was all displayed today. His overlaps and his defensive qualities, so often demonstrated at his club, were there for all to see. He then provided the critical assist for the winner.

Oghenekaro Etebo (8) --  6.2 -- Etebo was a tireless worker again. This is certainly his characteristics, fetch the ball, distribute it, and make yet another run.

Wilfred Ndidi (4) -- 6.2 -- Ndidi had a solid game and provided, consistently, an outlet for his central defenders.

Mikel Obi (cpt --10) -- 5.8 -- It was a shock to see the captain play like a fish out of water. It was a forgettable day. He was extremely slow in the midst of fast playing colleagues. Even at his snail speed he did not appear to provide much with vision and otherwise. He was finally taken off just after half time.

Samuel Chukwueze (13) -- 7.5 -- Samu was persistently a problem for the Burundi defense with his slippery and quick dribbles.  I had him at 8.5 in the opening half but he cooled off after the interval.

Paul Onuachu (14) -- 6.0 -- Paul, inspite of his height, had problems in the air directing his headers. Further, he did not impose on the defenders for the 70 minutes that he was on. He will more likely head to the bench in the next game.

Alex Iwobi (18) -- 7.5 -- Alex was on top of his game today starting on the left and then moving centrally after Mikel was replaced. Alex put it all together today with his passes and protection of the ball. He was, without doubt, one of the best.

Subs:
Odion Ighalo (9) -- 6.5 -- Ighalo took the goal well and that alone deserves a high rating. This was just four minutes after coming on. His experience in seeking out the best position behind the defense was miles ahead of Onuachu and it counted.

Chidozie Awaziem (20) -- 6.2 -- Awaziem was defensively steady after coming on for Shehu. Although he did join the attack, it was not always pretty but it was steady and solid.

Ahmed Musa (7) -- 6.2 -- Musa, perhaps, did not start because of a reported illness but you could note the difference as the speed of the game, already high, went up a notch upon his entrance. His self less runs create all sorts of options when he is on his game. Today was not any different.