NIGERIA 1 TUNISIA 1 as Dessers and Ejuke Debut

AUSTRIA -- Nigeria earned a 1-1 tie with Tunisia in a friendly international that marked the debut of two intensely discussed players. Both Cyriel Dessers and Ejuke had both been intensely discussed in the media, for different reasons, and today they faced scrutiny in their debut. 

Dessers had endeared himself to Nigeria after his remarkable show of affiliation to the country in a video just before his first invitation to the national team earlier this year. Of course, the Covid situation delayed his debut until today. As for Ejuke, he was dubbed the new JJ Okocha and many had called for hid invitation and it took a while before Manager Gernot Rohr relented and invited the kid. 

Well, what is the early report on both? They had virtually cameo appearances coming in after the second half had gone halfway. Ejuke had a trademark slalom run that would remind many of Okocha but nothing came of it. As for Dessers, he hardly had a touch but when he finally did it was deep in the box but again nothing came off it.

The game itself saw Nigeria seeking to make amends after a 0-1 loss to Algeria few days ago. It seemed that Nigeria would after Iheanacho scored after skipper Ahmed Musa had set him loose in the box after just 20 minutes. A few minutes later, Iheanacho had another opportunity after Musa was bundled over by the goalkeeper deep in the box. Unfortunately, the busy Iheanacho had his clever attempt from the spot saved by the goalkeeper. What seemed to be a day that Nigeria would win turned sour when the Tunisians came level. Omeruo was left sleeping by an attacking with the latter providing a simple cross that was converted with Okoye standing no chance for a save.

Overall, Nigeria has shown early signs of building a strong team and it is fortunate that the team will have the benefit of facing a comparably weaker Sierra Leone opponent in the coming months before confronting the big guns of Africa. That should present opportunities to further build this team into a stronger unit. But were there some nuggets from these two internationals? Yes, certainly goalie Okoye, although rarely tested against the Tunisians, showed that he belongs. There also was Zaidu Sanusi. The games against Sierra Leone may yet add others.

How They Rated

Maduka Okoye (1) -- 6.2 -- He was rarely called to action but his confidence with his feet is really a relief and helped the team in possession. He did have one save across the bar late in the game but generally was left to relax.

Kevin Akpoguma (25) -- 6.2 -- He had his first start for Nigeria and was largely average until he was moved into the center of the defense where he clearkly demonstrated his comfort. He nearly notched his first international goal for Nigeria in the opening half if the ball had not come off a wall of defenders.

Leon Balogun (6) -- 7.0 -- In my view the best Nigerian player on the night. He was solid and commanded the defense during his minutes on the field. As is now his trademark, he had a run at the opposing defense early in the second half before he was substituted.

Kenneth Omeruo (22) -- 6.1 -- Kenneth's days in the national team may well be coming to an end. With several new defenders at the cusp of the national team and Kenneth's increasing problems the end may well be near. Today, another characteristic error allowed Tunisia to tie the game. 

Zaidu Sanusi (12) --6.4 -- Had another busy and good game but surely not at the level of his debut. However, it is clear that this kid may have earned a starting position in the team.

Semi Ajayi (13) -- 6.4 -- He started slowly today but in the end his output was clearly better than it was against the Algerians. He was much busier in the second half presenting himself as an outlet for passes and protecting the spine of the team.

Samuel Chukwueze (11) - 6.3 -- Started slowly but kicked it up in the second half. In one memorable run, he left two Tunisian defenders at loss in the second half but the fact is that this was by far an below average outing.

Alex Iwobi (18) -- 6.8 -- Alex is increasingly confident in a Nigerian shirt and it showed again today. however, it took a while. He started anonymously but then sprang to life with some telling passes and even provided a magically moment of brilliance that should remind Nigerians of his uncle Jay-Jay when his quick second half trick astounded two Tunisian defenders.

Kelechi Iheanacho (14) -- 6.5 -- Kelechi was quite busy today and earned a goal from a quick move in the box in the opening half. Minutes later, he could easily have added a second but his penalty kick was saved.

Ahmed Musa (cpt --7) -- 6.4 -- Musa has a knack of being involved in moves that produce results. He again seemed off pace all evening but in two moves he underlined his presence. It was his pass that sent Iheanacho through for the opener. Minutes later, his quick feet forced the Tunisian keeper into bundling him over for a penalty kick. However, his days in the national team are coming to an end.

Subs

Chiedozie Awaziem (20) -- 6.4 -- Clearly, this is one of the best defenders of the Nigerian national team and he underlined it again with his presence. He showed confidence on the ball and anticipation skills.

Jamilu Collins (3) -- 6.0 -- He did not show much when he entered the game and may likely be cemented as a reserve going forward especially with Zaidu's emergence.

Cyriel Dessers (26) -- 5.9 -- His introduction into the game was as a victim of a vicious Tunisian tackle. The day was largely anonymous but he had a chance to score deep in the box that could have been the story of his debut.

Chidera Ejuke (24) -- 6.3 -- One Okocha-like slalom run would not be easily forgotten. However, it is clear that this busy little fella is quite nimble with quick feet and his play could be vital going forward. Today, his cameo appearance was not enough to solidly predict the future.