Eagles' Scorecard Against Dragons

Nigeria earned a hard fought 1-0 win against the Blue Dragons of Bosnia-Herzegovina in a thrilling Group F game in Cuiaba courtesy a Peter Odemwingie's goal in the 29th minute of the pulsating encounter.

It was a much improved performance by the Super Eagles from the goalless draw with Iran where the team could not break down a resolute Iranian defence.

Supersport.com rates the players' performance during the game and gives an indication to what areas should be improved upon before the last group game against Argentina.

Vincent Enyeama:
Once again, Enyeama proved that he is the man for the big occasion. He made a couple of superb saves to deny the Bosnians and was a rock for Nigeria throughout the game.

He came up big with two great saves at the tail end of the game when the Bosnians threw the kitchen sink at the Nigerian defence.

Rating: 8/10
Efe Ambrose:
The right back did pretty well and looked more composed than the Iran game, probably because he had more protection from Peter Odemwingie who tracked back to help close the spaces when Bosnia attack.

He got a bit tired towards the end of the game, but did the simple things effectively to help Nigeria keep a clean sheet.

Rating: 6/10
Juwon Oshaniwa:
The Ironi Ashdod left-back, a surprise inclusion in the 23-man squad to the World Cup did not do his growing reputation any harm by putting in a decent shift.

He also made some important forays into the Bosnian half and was decent with the ratio of his passes completed. One of his best games in a Nigerian shirt.

Rating: 7/10
Kenneth Omeruo:
Omeruo has been one of Nigeria's standout performers at the tournament and he was good against the Bosnians.

He had to contend with a much taller and experienced striker like Edin Dzeko, but he did not look fazed at all even though the Manchester City striker slipped him twice in the game.

He will be a very long feature for Nigeria in the heart of the defence and has shown thus far he can be relied upon by Nigeria.

Rating: 7/10
Joseph Yobo:
The veteran defender, earning his 99th cap against the Blue Dragons acquitted himself well and made some key blocks and clearances.

Clearly, he has lost a bit of pace, but makes up for that with his awareness and positioning and it replicated in the game where he kept substitute Vedad Ibisevic quiet when he came on.

Rating: 7/10
Ogenyi Onazi:
The SS Lazio midfielder had a yo-yo game against Bosnia-Herzegovina. He was drifting in and out of the game and got caught in possession a lot during the game.

He was however in the thick of things during the game with his long range shots troubling Asmir Begovic in goal for Bosnia. Not his best game for Nigeria by any distance, but could have done a lot better.

Rating: 6/10
John Obi Mikel:
The Chelsea midfielder was the creative force designate in a three-man midfield diamond, but he did not do enough in the game to that purpose.

He was square in his passes and was caught in possession numerous times in the game. Mikel did not do enough defensively and was extremely casual during the game.

He blighted a lot of Nigerian transition to attack by dilly-dallying on the ball for too long which killed whatever momentum the team had. One of his poorest games for the Super Eagles.

Rating:5/10.
Michael Babatunde:
A surprise inclusion in the starting line up but did enough to justify coach Stephen Keshi throwing him from the beginning.

He took the place of Victor Moses and looks to cement it for the next game provided he recovers from the knock he received in the second half.

The Volyn player had some decent shots at goal and his nimble feet enabled him open up the Bosnian defence on a couple of occasions. He was full of running and also helped out defensively when called upon.

Rating: 7/10
Ahmed Musa:
The diminutive winger was a handful for the Bosnian defence with his pace during the game, as he constantly kept Emir Spahic on his toes for the duration he spent on the pitch.

Musa's final ball however has remained a constant cause for worry, but he made up for that by tracking back to help the defence when needed.

Rating: 6/10
Osaze Odemwingie:
One of the brightest sparks for Nigeria at the Arena Pantanal on game night as he scored the only goal of the match and did everything that was asked of him.

He was very good in attack and also covered well for both full backs whenever he switched flanks. His experience showed throughout the game as he battled for loose balls and was quick to link up with Emmanuel Emenike in attack.

Rating: 8/10
Emmanuel Emenike:
Even though he did not get on the scoresheet, the Fenerbahce striker was a constant menace to the backline of the Bosnians with his power and pace.

He made the assist for Odemwingie to score the only goal, and was a battering ram as the Bosnian defence could not live with his strength and guile throughout the game.

Another standout performer on a good night for the Super Eagles.

Rating: 8/10
 
SUBSTITUTE
Shola Ameobi:
The tall striker came on for Ahmed Musa and did well for the duration that he was in the game.

His hold up play was instrumental in keeping possession with Nigeria when the Bosnians went all out to get the equaliser, and he also helped out in defence when the Super Eagles were on the back foot as the game drew to a close.

Rating: 4/10.
Ejike Uzoenyi:
He did not spend much time on the pitch but did the basic things right.

Rating 3/10.
SUPERSPORT