African News

Take a look at our player breakdown of Nigeria and Burkina Faso during their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Group C clash.

------------------------------------------------------------

Predict result and win big with Soccer6

------------------------------------------------------------

Nigeria

Vincent Enyeama: The Super Eagles stopper had little to do but made a couple of excellent saves in the latter stages of the match. Was not at fault for the goal his side conceded. 8/10

Uwa Echiejile: Echiejile was composed in defence for Nigeria throughout the first half as he dealt quite comfortably with Hughes-Wilfried Dah, who was substituted at the beginning of the second half. Echiejile was far less capable of containing Wilfried Sanou though who delivered a number of teasing crosses, while tellingly the goal conceded by Nigeria was constructed from the left side of the Super Eagles' box. 5/10

Joseph Yobo: The experienced centre back made an number of early errors but grew in confidence as the match wore on and proved his worth with a number of fierce tackles and powerful defensive headers. 7/10

Godfrey Obobona: Having hardly put a foot wrong all night, Obobona's failure to clear the ball in the dying minutes allowed Alain Traore to score the equaliser. 4/10

Efe Ambrose: Ambrose was excellent for much of the match but his over exuberance in the tackle saw him take an early bath, although Nigeria will be none too pleased with his sending off, with his second yellow card hardly warranted. 5/10

Fengor Ogude: Ogude provided the perfect foil for Mikel John Obi to thrive as he ran and harassed and tackled before playing a simple ball, more often than not to the Chelsea midfielder. He was withdrawn after 70 minutes. 7/10

Mikel John Obi: Mikel was superb in the middle of the park and looked a cut above the rest of the players on the field. Always composed on the ball, his long passes were inch perfect while most of his side's attacks seemed to originate from the Blues man. 9/10

Nosa Igiebor: Igiebor provided much of Nigeria's thrust when going forward and was always a willing runner. Misplaced a number of passes though and will need to show a bit more composure in attack. 6/10

Brown Ideye: Ideye was immense in the first half and created a number of chances while he was instrumental in the goal. Faded as the match wore on and was substituted with 12 minutes of the match remaining. 7/10

Emmanuel Emenike: Emenike showed glimpses of his class, and while he excelled in the build up to Nigeria's attacks, he seemed to lack composure in front of goal. He only lasted 58 minutes. 8/10

Ahmed Musa: Musa improved the longer the match wore on. Provided Nigeria with an outlet on the left and the source of a number of crosses, although he too was unable to take any of a number of chances when through on goal. 6/10

Ikechukwu Uche: Came on with half an hour to play with his arrival sparking a renewed vigor in the Nigerian ranks. Full of energy and drive, Uche might have done enough to warrant a start in his side's next match. 7/10

Ogenyi Onazi: Came on to add some more bite to the Nigerian midfield and did just that without really affecting the outcome of this game. 6/10

Kenneth Omeruo: Had ten minutes to try and steady the Nigerian defence and see out the win, and although not responsible for the goal, his introduction did not have the required effect. 5/10

Burkina Faso:

Abdoulaye Soulama: Made some nice saves although he was hardly troubled all night. Had no real chance with the goal his side conceded. 7/10

Bakary Kone: Impressed in defence with his cool, calm demeanor and raking balls out of defence. Was caught out a couple of times but always showed enough presence of mind to recover. 7/10

Paul Koulibaly: Also had a good game in defence and kept his position well. Had one or two nervy moments after dallying on the ball too long and probably should have stopped Emenike from racing through for Nigeria's goal. 6/10

Saidou Panandetiguiri: Big, strong and fast, Panandetiguiri impressed on the night as he largely put in a faultless performance. 7/10

Mohamed Koffi: Put in a solid shift up and down the centre of the park. Had his hands full dealing with Mikel all night. 6/10

Djakaridja Kone: Worked his socks off all night and rarely conceded possession when on the ball, preferring to play a simple pass rather that aimlessly hoof the ball forward. 6/10

Jonathan Pitroipa: Was excellent in attack and was often Burkina Faso's most creative attacking player. Was rewarded for his non-stop running as he set up his side's equaliser. 9/10

Florent Rouamba: Immense in defence for the Stallions, he won most of his aerial balls while also showing adeptness in the tackle. Was withdrawn with eight minutes left of the match. 7/10

Hughes-Wilfried Dah: Had a largely ineffective first half before being withdrawn at the start of the second period. 4/10

Aristide Bance: Had a frustrating night and only showed glimpses of his quality often holding on to the ball too long before losing out. Was substituted after 65 minutes. 5/10

Moumouni Dagano: A big strong target man, Dagano played his role well before tiring towards the end of the match. 7/10

Alain Traore: Made a massive difference when introduced on 65 minutes. Excellent passer of the ball and very intelligent in his movement, he netted a vital equaliser. 9/10

Wilfried Sanou: Came on at the start of the second half and did well enough to justify a start in the next game. Delivered cross after cross from the right, where Dah had struggled to make such space for himself. 8/10

Abdoulrazak Traore: Didn't make a huge impact but was a calming influence in midfield after coming on in the 82nd minute. 6/10