Japan vs Nigeria player ratings: Echegini, Ucheibe and Alozie only shining light for uninspiring Falcons as Ajibade, Okeke flop
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Japan vs Nigeria player ratings || X

Japan vs Nigeria player ratings: Echegini, Ucheibe and Alozie only shining light for uninspiring Falcons as Ajibade, Okeke flop

Stephen Oladehinde 18:23 - 31.07.2024

The Super Falcons of Nigeria fell to their third defeat in their third Group C clash against Japan with few players having an impressive performance.

Japan defeated Nigeria 3-1 to send the Falcons packing from the Olympics after a poor start to the tournament.

H. Kitagawa, M. Tanaka, and M. Hamano scored the Japanese three goals that gave the Asian side the win.

Nigeria could only salvage just one goal in the tournament which came from a decent play against Japan.

With the Super Falcons' poor performance against Japan, we take a look at how the players fared in the game.

Super Falcons player ratings

Chiamaka Nnadozie (7.5/10)

Chiamaka Nnadozie was as composed as she could be but could not stop any of the goals the Super Falcons conceded 

She did give her all in the game but her defence let her down with three goals conceded in the first half. 

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Photo Credit: Imago)
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Photo Credit: Imago)

Michelle Alozie (6.5/10)

Michelle Alozie, who did not provide much going forward against Spain was one of the best players on the pitch against Japan.

Despite the fact that she failed to track her man for Japan's first goal, she gave the Japanese left-back a torrid time.

Michelle Alozie || Imago
Michelle Alozie || Imago

Osinachi Ohale (5/10)

Osinachi Ohale who has been nicknamed the defence general had a difficult spell in the first half.

The defender was flat-footed for the Japanese second goal after seeing a header hit the crossbar and failed to react. Although she later proved to be useful in the second half.

Blessing Demehin (5/10)

Demehin failed to compose herself at the back as she has always done and was at fault for Japan’s third goal 

She gave up an unnecessary free kick that resulted in the Super Falcons conceding the third goal right at the edge of the box.

Chidinma Okeke (4/10)

Okeke had a shaky start to the game and did fail to cover track her man, leaving the defence vulnerable.

She played a lot of loose passes in the first half and did not improve on her game before she was substituted in the second half.

Rasheedat Ajibade (5.5/10)

Ajibade started the game behind Oshoala but the Super Falcons captain failed to support her teammate offensively. 

It was unusual for her to be unable to provide the squad with an outlet, failing to create any chance in the game.

Deborah Abiodun (6/10)

Deborah was solid defensively but was not potent when connecting with her attack, leaving the team with less possession.

However, she later picked up the pace after the Super Falcons scored their first goal of the tournament, controlling the midfield alongside Toni Payne

Jennifer Echegini (7/10) 

Echegini was an engine in midfield for Waldrum's side and was the only player who attempted a shot that got the goal for the Super Falcons.

She played a clever one, two passes with Ucheibe before hitting a venomous strike that flew past the Japanese goalkeeper.

Jennifer Echegini || X
Jennifer Echegini || X

Christy Ucheibe (6.5/10)

Ucheibe had a decent performance in the game, forming a good partnership with Jennifer Echegini.

Their partnership led to the only goal the Super Falcons scored in the tournament, with a brilliant passage or play and a perfect strike.

Toni Payne (6/10)

Payne did not quickly get her rhythm early in the game but she got her groove later in the game controlling the midfield.

The midfielder had a good game with a clever movement with the ball. Her calmness also helped the Super Falcons control the midfield.

Asisat Oshoala (6.5/10)

Oshoala made the starting line-up for the second time in a row but had little impact in the game before being substituted 

She was supposed to be the only link to the Super Falcons attack but her midfielders were unable to connect with her leaving her limited with attack. All she could do was come back to the midfield to receive the ball.

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