5 things we learnt from 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

These are five things we learnt as Nigeria dismantled Cameroon 4-0 in a World Cup qualifier.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria took a step closer to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia with a 4-0 win over Cameroon.

Odio Ighalo, Mikel Obi, Victor Moses and Kelechi Iheanacho all scored in the game.

These are five things we learnt from that game.

1. Odion Ighalo is the best Nigerian striker

Odion Ighalo  (PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP/Getty Images)

Period. Ighalo was menacing against the Cameroonians even before his goal. He was a livewire who disturbed Cameroon’s defence.

Although he has not scored for the Super Eagles for a while, Ighalo replicated his China form for the Super Eagles and showed why he is the best Nigerian striker right now.

2. Super Eagles big boys are very important

Mikel Obi  (PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP/Getty Images)

After a lethargic performance by the Super Eagles against South Africa, the big boys returned to the team on the day and made a difference.

Mikel Obi, Victor Moses and Odion Ighalo brought the much needed calm to the Super Eagles. In the first 20 minutes when the Cameroonians were dominating, the Super Eagles were calm, keeping a solid shape before they took control of the game.

3. Ikechukwu Ezenwa can be the trusted

Ikechukwu Ezenwa  (PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP/Getty Images)

The goalkeeping position was a big issue for the Super Eagles of Nigeria following Daniel Akpeyi’s terrible performance against South Africa.

Many were worried when Ezenwa was called up to replace Akpeyi before the game but the FC IfeanyiUbah goalkeeper was superb all through.

He was comfortable and calm in set piece and his performance early on, gave confidence to the Super Eagles.

With much debate about the return of Vincent Enyeama and the continued absence of Carl Ikeme, Ezenwa showed that he can be trusted.

4. The Leon Balogun/William Troost-Ekong partnership is solid

William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun  (Twitter/Leon Balogun)

The Oyinbo Wall they call it and against Cameroon, the central defence pairing of Leon Balogun and Ekong Troost was solid.

The two players were in constant communication all through the game, shielding the defence and keeping a clean sheet.

5. Ogenyi Onazi is a hard worker

Onazi tackles a Cameroonian player  ( PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP/Getty Images)

Questions were asked about his place in the team before the game but the former Lazio man put in a good shift in midfield reminding everyone why he is still being picked.

Despite some nervy moments, Onazi worked hard all game and deserves a mention praises for it.